October Complies USS Paladin 						complied by Richard Tomlin
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Mission Filler of Time
Day: -10
Stardate 2418  12.05
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(Dureth Station – Promenade – Lachesis – 0900)
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(Dureth Station – Promenade – Lachesis – 0900)

The figure pulled itself out of the shadows, and walked carefully amongst a
small number of others headed toward a small medical facility that was near
the main area of the promenade.

It peeled off and stood briefly near the doorway, concealed by an aging
lady with unfortunate burns from cooking that morning.

The receptionist, a tall, dark haired female, moved immediately, and
slightly moved her right hand toward her left breast, where one would
sometimes wear…

A shake of the head and a clear flash of irritation was plain on her face
as the receptionist helped the older lady into the doctors office.

Moving closer, risking a lot, a clear view into the office was now
available. The Doctor could barely be bothered to lift his eyes from the
desk as he shot her with a pain killer, and waved a dermal regenerator
incompetently over her hands. The finish was apparently enough for the
doctor at the desk, who waved away the receptionist and older lady from his
office as he picked up his brandy.

The flash of irritation across the receptionists face was palpable, she was
no poker player, and it made a number of things clear.

The figure pulled away reluctantly, and hit a hidden switch in her pocket.

“Target is in place. Unaware of observation. Target unable to control
habitual reaction. Target unable to hide base emotional reaction. Target
unable to assume low status. She is no receptionist.”

The figure stepped slowly, amongst a crowd once more spoke only a few more
words, unheard to those nearby; but to those listening, they spoke volumes.

“All hell breaking loose. Explosives. Everywere. Hunter present.”

(reply none)
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Mission Filler of Time
Day 4
Stardate 2418  12.19
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(Dureth Station – Jeffries tubes – Lachesis – 1030)
(Dureth Station – Jeffries tubes – Lachesis – 1130)
(Dureth Station – Crew quarters - Lachesis - 1430.5)
(Dureth Station - Promminade – CO Lt Cmdr Chris Gibbs - 1507)
(USS Paladin - Bridge – Lt Cmdr Mil Nicolea - 1508)
(Dureth Station - Promenade – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken - 1509)
(USS Sandog - Bridge – MSgt Sara Keats – 1509.50)
(USS Paladin - Bridge – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken - 1510)
(Dureth Station - Promminade – Ens Councilor Addison MacCaulay – 1511)
(USS Sandog - Bridge - CSEC  LT(SG)  Detron Trei - 15.11.50)
(USS Paladin - Bridge – Lt Cndr Mil Nicolea - 1512)
(USS Sandog - Bridge – MSgt Sara Keats - 15.12.50)

(USS Paladin - Bridge – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken - 1513)
(USS Sandog - Bridge - CSEC  LT(SG)  Detron Trei - 15.13.50)
(USS No Mercy  - Bridge – Clark Hunter - 1514)
(USS Sandog - Bridge - MSgt Sara Keats - Combat Intelligence Specialist -
15.14.5)
(USS Sandog – Bridge - CMO – Lt Tian Noble – 1515)
 (USS Sandog - Bridge - GSgt Allsion Johnston – Marine Communication Specialist -
15.16)
 
(USS Sandog – Sickbay - CMO – Lt Tian Noble – 1520)
(USS Paladin – Bridge - Lt Cmdr Mil Nicolea – 1521)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay - CMO Tian Noble– 1525)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay -  Lt Cmdr Mil Nicolae– 1526)
(USS Paladin – Sickbay – USS Paladin - ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken - 1527)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay -  CMO LT Tian Noble– 1528)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay -   LTcmdr  Mil Nicolae– 1529)
(USS Sandog - Bridge - CSEC  LT(SG)  Detron Trei - 15.30)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken – 1531)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – Med, Lt Cndr Mil Nicolae – 1532)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay – CMO LT Tian Nobvle – 1533)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACSO Ensign (sg) Adrian Lanney, day 4 – 1534)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay – Startfleet Liaison-  Lt Cmdr Mil Nicolae – 1535)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACMO Lt (jg) Aimee Bracken  – 1536)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACSO Ensign (sg) Adrian Lanney – 1536.5)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay – CO - Lt Cmdr Chris Gibbs – 1537)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay – Lt Cmdr Mil Nicolae  – 1538)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken  – 1539) 
(USS Sandog – Sickbay –CMO -  Lt Tian Noble  – 1541)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay – CMO - Lt Tian Noble – 1542)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACSO Ensign (sg) Adrian Lanney – 1543)
(USS Sandog – Bridge – Allison Johnston –SSgt- Communications Specialist– 1550)
(USS Sandog – Bridge – MSgt Sara Keats - Combat Intelligence Specialist –
1551)
 (USS Sandog - Bridge - CSEC  LT(SG)  Detron Trei - 15.52)
(USS Sandog – Bridge – GSgt Allison Johnston – Marine Communication specialist –
1553)
(USS Sandog – Bridge – Communication Specialist GSgt Allison Johnston – 1556)
 (USS Sandog – Bridge – Allison Johnston –GSgt Communications Specialist– 1630)
(USS Sandog - Bridge - CSEC  LT(SG)  Detron Trei - 16.35)

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(Dureth Station – Jeffries tubes – Lachesis – 1030)

Lachesis pulled itself out of a doze, smiling gently. Taking a mental step
back and surveying its pieces it was content with how things had moved.
Hunter had become a cancer. At first his greed had been useful, the flow of
people was not anywhere near as invisible as he had ever believed. People
don’t disappear, despite what Hunter in his arrogance may have told
himself. There was always a trail, and it had lead to...places.

The station was rigged to blow, that much had become clear; Hunter had set
out his endgame. Each position, beautifully counterpointed with a back up.
The only flaw that he had made was the assumption that he hadn’t already
been infiltrated twice.

The receptionist had upped her game, and may still prove useful. Intel
always had uses for Officers of her calibre. She’d never make a true intel
operative though.



Her heart was just too big. The care that emanated from her heart was
palpable, and it wrenched on the being of her observer to say such things
but she was no Intel Officer, a damned fine surgeon, but her psyche for
intel was altogether wrong.


It had taken everything to figure out what was happening. To be fair, the
tall, young receptionist was so close, but hadn’t taken the only step to
let her take a step back and see the big picture.

As Lachesis lay back looking at the data on the PADD display,  the flow of
information could be seen; again, the tiniest, most critical piece of
information seemed to have been missed. Probably due to the target’s
specialism.

~too specialised~ Lachesis thought.

Lachesis shifted, moving along the tube to a point that had been extremely
difficult to pinpoint, even after hours poring over the hole in her digs.
It had been both a revelation, and a stroke of utter luck, Dimly, Lachesis
smiled, and continued the tiring route to the conjunction; the place that
all the pipes met.

The place that according to the plan, didn’t exist.

The place that according to common sense, had to.

Lachesis, reached a single point, the array of tubes above her mind
boggling. There were four however, that according to her scans, very little
flowed though. Pulling a small kit from the pocketed trousers, a needle
injector was pressed against the pipe. Seconds later the tiniest
accumulation of nanites found its way into the fourth coolant emergency
reservoir.

It had two programmed purposes.

The first was reproduce.

(Reply none)

(posted by Mark)
(Dureth Station – Jeffries tubes – Lachesis – 1130)

The last hour had been hell. The core was rigged to blow, this coupled with
all the additional explosives, meant that the entire station would be lost.
Lachesis was in no position to stop it. All the tools available to assist
had been used.

The nanites had been introduced as a backstop. They were fascinating
things, by now they would have reproduced themselves nicely and would be
ready for the last part of the plan. To slow down the reactor.

Most of the failsafes had been bypassed, much to Lachesis’ annoyance. But
there had been an old one, not marked on the holo as it was far too old to
be considered really of any use by the station’s previous occupants.

Lachesis had set it up so that when the fourth coolant reservoir was almost
empty it would dump a lithium control rod deep into the core itself. It
wouldn’t be enough to stop the blow, but would add roughly 30 minutes of
time.

The mission was almost up, and it was nearly time to leave the station and
file the reports. Just one thing remained.

(Dureth Station – Crew quarters - Lachesis - 1430.5)

Lachesis watched the drama unfold on the screen in front, Hunter had, it
had to be admitted, played a good hand, each plan had a backup and was
considered in meticulous detail.

Gibbs was an interesting Officer, He showed a lot of promise, knew how to
get the best out of his crew, knew who to trust with which jobs.

Lachesis had only sought confirmation of this in the field though; it was
only confirming what had been noted when they’d met.

A few minutes passed, and the inevitable happened. Taking the emergency
claxons a cue to leave, Lachesis moved immediately to the nearby escape
pod, launching it amongst a couple of others, it moved rapidly away from
the station.

Lachesis then switched on the beacon that would summon the small cloaked
shuttle that served as rescue.

~nearly back~

(Reply none)
(Dureth Station - Promminade – CO Lt Cmdr Chris Gibbs - 1507)

"just that Smart he’s going to know this station like the back of his
hand he is going to knowthe systems better then we do. Sir I’ve never
seen him fail he has always been miles ahead of his enemies knowing what
they will do like it’s what he wanted them to do.” Addison finished.

Chris held his hand to hold the team to stop and looked down at his
councillor.

"Never seen him? Ensign do you know Hunter?"Gibbs tried to make sense of
everything, it all pointed to an inside man, he just never thought it would
be from his crew. The reaction from Addison to Alyl death was too much
shock to have been working with Hunter, it didn't make sense.

“It wouldn’t be surprise if he had another command area set up for just
him he is probably controlling everything that is happening I don’t think
we are in the amount of control we think we are. I could be wrong of
course.” Addison replied skipping the question Gibbs asked. 

"Ensign, I asked you a question. Do you know Hunter?"

Chris tried to think what was the best thing to do, he motioned for the
security officers take their defensive stances around the woman .

"WELL?!" Chris bellowed as he looked at her. 

(Reply Addison)

Before the woman could reply the station lurched to the side the sound of
explosions could be heard along the prominade.

"Bracken Report!' 

(Reply Addison, Bracken, any)
(Posted by Mat)

(USS Paladin - Bridge – Lt Cmdr Mil Nicolea - 1508)

The klaxon sounded filling the bridge with the dreaded sounds 

"Report" Mil shouted 

"Explosions across the station, the operations level and crew quarters has
been exposed to space sir," Janey called out

"Aimee, what's going on?" Mil called out.

(Reply Bracken)

"Cheif, emergency transport of all life signs in that area, inform the
Sandog and our Sickbay to standby for casualties. Move us away from the
station to a safe distance." Mil shouted over the alarm as he ran to the
command column.

"Sir if we move to a safe distance, given the explosives, we would be out
of transporter range. Sandog confirms orders" Janey called trying to read
all the information she could. 

"Transfer all available power to the transporters and move us to the
extreme. Continual scans I want to know about any more explosions." 

Mil looked at the information and tried to make an informed decision. 

"Paladin to Gibbs" 

=/\=Gibbs here=/\=

"Chris I'm detecting explosions across the command levels and the crew
quarters, I've had to pull back but we are transporting everyone we can." 

=/\=Understood, leave us here, we need to get Hunter=/\=

"Commander that's not advisable..."Mil called

=/\=Noted Commander, but I outrank you, we're staying put. Gibbs out.=/\=

The channel closed and Mil looked around the bridge, Janey just shrugged.
"Aimee, are you ok?"

(Reply Bracken)

(Posted by Mat)

(Dureth Station - Promenade – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken - 1509)

=/\=Bracken Report!=/\=

Aimee had been rocked forward in her chair as the explosions had rocked the
station. She had had no warning, all her screens were streaming the same
data that they had been just a few seconds earlier. She pulled her head
together, and shook the ringing from her ears. That last blast had been
horribly close.

“numerous blasts, unknown cause of detonation. Those explosives should have
held stable Gibbs. I’ve no proof, but I’d guess that they were detonated
remotely by Hunter, the Core is holding, but I am running out of options.”

(Reply Gibbs)

Aimee snapped back, hoping that Gibbs had picked up on her innate stress
and informality under stress.

“Dammit Gibbs, I’m a Doctor, not an Engineer. I’m doing my best.”

(Reply Gibbs)

“Negative, there’s so much interference I have no chance at finding him.
You have to focus on remaining captives. Repeat. Remaining captives only,
Still 150 in number. I am running point and will continue to do so or die
trying Sir.”

(Reply Gibbs)

Her last sentence was out of her mouth before she realised what she had
said, she didn't even hear Gibbs' reply. The last months crystallised
around her.

~mum?.~

 (Posted by Mark)
(USS Sandog - Bridge – MSgt Sara Keats – 1509.50)



Sara leaned forward on her hands, briefly lifting one hand to move a stray
lock of her shoulder length, rich, auburn hair out of her eyes and behind
her ear, it obeyed her for a few moments, before escaping again, the cycle
repeating once more.

 Surveying the map currently being displayed, shaking her head gently as
she surveyed the damage that the scans had picked up. She’d recruited into
the corps at the minimum age, lured by shiny recruiting poster and promise
of a glorious life in the Corps. Largely, to be fair, it hadn’t been wrong.
Her training had been second to none, and she’d found in the Marines a home
where before she had none. She never spoke about her family life before the
uniform; even her file said ‘none’ under next of kin. The truth was
something she pledged she would take to the grave. Station is crippled El
Tee. To escape it she’d thrown herself into the Corps, fully, and without
restraint or hesitation, it was for that reason that she’d eventually it
MSgt at the young age of 29.

She turned to the Security Chief who had been transported over a few
minutes ago; he towered a whole foot above her own 5’2”



“Station is crippled El Tee. Hull breaches on decks two, three, four
and…some parts of the crew quarters are rapidly filling with smoke. Whoever
did this knew what they were doing. Look.” She motioned at the holodisplay
in front of both of them. “Here, here and here”

(Reply Trei)

“Unknown; but at this time the Paladin and ourselves are pulling out all
the people we can grab. We had hoped that we’d be able to infiltrate and
secure…”She shook her head, her annoyance palpable.



“COWARD.” She snapped, turning to Trei “All these hostages, presumably due
to be sold for slaves; and he couldn’t stand and fight?

(Reply Trei)

(Posted by Mark)

(USS Paladin - Bridge – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken - 1510)

Her part of the station was slowly filling with smoke, she knew her time
was limited, a few minutes at best. Which given the current state of the
station she was filled with both fear and closure.

~No, bad time.~

Her sometimes dark sense of humour had kicked in to the fore again. Most
Doctors she had ever met had developed the darkest humour, a protection
against the potential horror of their jobs, even in these days, patients
were lost regularly. She began to accept her fate, tired she had become,
tired with being the strong one, tired with coping. Tired with…

~The nightmares?~ She hadn’t remembered them since she was back on the
Hades, she had been deeply in love with…



A voice shot threw her psyche, pulling her mind back together.

=/\=Aimee, what's going on?=/\= Mil called out.

“Mil! Sweet mercy it’s good to hear from you.” She abandoned the codenames
even as he had. “Multiple explosions, suspect sabotage. Core holding, but I
have barely 10 minutes reserve time. One hundred and fifty personnel still
aboard, repeat one hundred and fifty souls still in peril.”

~one hundred and fifty one~

“Get them off Mil, I don’t bloody care what you do to do it.” She yelled at
him, opening a channel to the Sandog. “Sandog Ops, one hundred and fifty to
retrieve, initiate emergency bulk transport, cooordiate with Paladin Ops,
repeat coordinate with Paladin Ops.

A few moments had passed.

=/\=Aimee, are you ok?=/\=

~Mil~ she sighed ~my love?~

“Mil? We alone?”

(Reply Nicholae)

She knew now she had a secure channel, but had no clue what to say,
eventually though she found both her voice and the courage to say what she
knew what she had to, regardless of the consequences. She had wasted time
thinking, time aboard the station was running out rapidly.

“Mil…I’ve done something really stupid…I had no choice…”

(Reply Nicholae)

She broke entirely, the dam in her that was holding back all those emotions
that she had forgotten that she was withholding suddenly broke. She cried
openly.

“Mum’s dead Mil…Intel…they…and then…”

(Reply Nicholae)

(posted by Mark)
(Dureth Station - Promminade – Ens Councilor Addison MacCaulay – 1511)

"WELL?!" Chris bellowed as he looked at her. 
“I” Addison started  before she could get anymore out  the station lurched to the side the sound of explosions could be heard along the prominade.

"Bracken Report!' Addison heard Gibbs yell tear where falling again as she tried to gather her. 

“I’m sorry for not telling you”Addison said in a hushed tone not even sure if anyone could hear 

=/\=You're out of time Gibbs, oh and Goodbye Addison, shame it wasn't a longer meeting.=/\=

“It won’t be our last I will find you” Addison said her voice full of hate for her old friend. She knew he didn’t hear her vow, but it still made her feel better. 


(Reply any)
(Posted by Richard

(USS Sandog - Bridge - CSEC  LT(SG)  Detron Trei - 15.11)

He could feel the anger Keats was venting.  She turned to him and shouted COWARD.  If she was calling him a coward, she will regret that severely Such an act will call for a honor Challenge which he was sure she doesn't want.  He did however share with her a certain anger toward Hunter.  He will fight Hunter to hell if need be.  He raised his brows at the word and responded.

"Ms. Keats.  I assure you that if you are calling me a coward, you best prepare for a honor challenge.  If you are calling Mr. Hunter a coward then I agree with you.  I will fight him to hell if need be.  If it is possible to capture him and torture him to near death, I would love to apply the torture.  The task is at hand however.  It is my theory that Hunter is not on the station.When Mr. Hunter is located, I am ready to fight him."
(Reply Keats)
(Posted by Edward )

(USS Paladin - Bridge – Lt Cndr Mil Nicolea - 1512)

=/\=Mil! Sweet mercy it’s good to hear from you. Multiple explosions,
suspect sabotage. Core holding, but I have barely 10 minutes reserve time.
One hundred and fifty personnel still aboard, repeat one hundred and fifty
souls still in peril.Get them off Mil, I don’t bloody care what you do to
do it.=/\=

Mil looked at Janey who confirmed the reports. 

"Aimee, are you ok?"

~Mil~ she sighed ~my love?~

=/\=Mil? We alone?=/\= Aimee voice sounded full of emotions and complexity

~apart from a bridge full of officers~

"The channel is secure Aimee" Mil said trying to avoid the full extent of
the question

=/\=Mil…I’ve done something really stupid…I had no choice…=/\=

"You've done all you can Aimee, we need to leave it to the Marines now."
Mil said confused where things were going. 

=/\=Mum’s dead Mil…Intel…they…and then…=/\=

hearing the news, his former CO dead, his ex braking down. Forgetting the
mission Mil knew the order he was about to give could land him in major
trouble.

"Aimee I'm pulling you out."

(Reply Bracken)

"That's an order Rouge, you're coming out." Mil turned to Janey

"Next wave beam her to sickbay."

"Already on it Sir" Janey said hiding a little smile.

(Reply Bracken, any)

(Posted by Mat)

(USS Paladin - Bridge – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken - 1513)

=/\=Aimee I'm pulling you out.=/\=

Aimee shook her head, horrified at the thought of ‘jumping the queue’,
there were still a lot of people aboard. “Negative,” she said, beginning to
pull her emotions back together, but coughed a few times from the smoke in
the room. “I need to…”

=/\=That's an order Rogue, you're coming out=/\= She heard Mil speak to
someone who was obviously near him.

=/\=Next wave beam her to sickbay.=/\=

=/\=Already on it Sir=/\=

~Janey? Well the whole gang is back isn’t it?~

A few moments went by, during which she slipped herself off the floor, to
be closer to the clean air at the bottom of the room, and then slowly
calmed herself down, rebuilding her emotional walls, coughing occasionally.

She knew that she was headed toward sickbay, and that would mean that there
would be a lot of people in need of help. She pulled on her work face, and
hid behind her professional bedside manner. There would be crying later,
and no doubt a few conversations with Mil if there was time before he
returned to…wherever.

~Medicus cura te ipsum~

All well and good in theory, but not while there were so many that were in
need of help.



~sleep. I remember that.~

Her last few thoughts as the room about her disappeared where of memories.

(Reply any)

(posted by Mark)


(USS Sandog - Bridge – MSgt Sara Keats - 15.12.50)


"Ms. Keats.  I assure you that if you are calling me a coward, you best
prepare for a honor challenge.  If you are calling Mr. Hunter a coward then
I agree with you.  I will fight him to hell if need be.  If it is possible
to capture him and torture him to near death, I would love to apply the
torture.  The task is at hand however.  It is my theory that Hunter is not
on the station.When Mr. Hunter is located, I am ready to fight him."



Her irritation intensivied momentarily, and then sated slightly, as Sara
realised that the Officer may not be entirely familiar with the nuances of
Human anger and coping mechanisms, even as she wasn’t with that of her
Klingon Counterparts.



“Forgive me Sir. No slight on your honour was intended; as it is as dear to
me as is my own, and I will fight to the death anyone who tarnishes it.
My…fury, is directed toward…” she pointed at the lifesign that holo
currently displayed as Hunter “…that.” the last word was spoken with venom.



(Reply Trei)



She watched for a couple of minutes; brutally swearing as the single dot
faded, a guttural roar that drew the attention of some on the Officers on
the Bridge who weren’t aware of the extent of her considerable vocabulary
that only a Marine Sergeant can possess.



She said something, something that even years later she had no explanation
for, she had only ever worked with a very small few Klingons, but she
turned to Trei and spoke to him in perfect Klingon.



“You and I will take him to hell for this.”



(Reply Trei)



Her fury was palpable, the adrenaline pumping through her veins, her
pupils, fully dilated with an absolute desire to kill. Even in this
condition though, she pulled herself back, the human in her winding the
anger back.



~It’s not time, wind the beast back in, it will have its time, it will
remember.~



Quietly she turned to the other Marines on the bridge, “anyone medical
trained report immediately to sickbay.”



(Reply Trei)

(Posted by Mark)

(USS Sandog - Bridge - CSEC  LT(SG)  Detron Trei - 15.13.50)
Keats pointed at a dot on the screen that just went out.  What followed was a string of expletives that would make the most fierce Klingon warrior proud.  It impressed him.  She expressed that she wished Hunter to be sent to hell.  He was glad to help make that happen.  He thought the anger is strong in this one .  It will serve her well when the time comes.
"I will be glad to help send him to hell.  Let's find Mr. Hunter and make his family feel a supernova of pain.  Qapla!!"
(Reply Keats)
(Posted by Edward) 

(USS No Mercy  - Bridge – Clark Hunter - 1514)

Clark stood looking at the scene unfold, his finger literally on the
button. The transporters had been masked and a false lifesign sent to tge
holding areas in Dureth Station. 

"I can't believe it's actually working, they honestly believe I'm still on
the station. Fools will do anything to inprint Starfleet on a situation." 

"The Paladin and the Sandog have resumed transports again Clark" his small
goblin like aid said. "Core set to explode in seven minutes. The agent has
been beamed off to the Paladin."

Thinking for a moment he looked at the scene and the maps, he formulated
the final deadly stage of the plan.

"Blind and alone on a station of unfriendliness, let's end this." Clark
moved to his chair, sipping the tea that had been brought to him he
motioned to open the channel 

"Commander Gibbs"

=/\=Hunter this has gone far enough, surrender and save yourself=/\= Gibbs
voice booked into the room, it sounded like he was running, running towards
an empty room.

"I've won Commander, why should I give up. The syndicate done allow failure
and neither do I." He said smugly.

=/\=Clark you're killing innocent people, your comrades.=/\=

It was clear that Chris was buying time

"Gibbs, my comrades are the Syndicate now. By the way you may as well stop
looking for me, I'm not there." 

Clark motioned to turn off the device.

=/\=you bastard=/\=

"You're out of time Gibbs, oh and Goodbye Addison, shame it wasn't a longer
meeting." 

Clark closed the channel and tapped the screen. The console showed the
explosions across the prominade.

"Get us out of here before the core blows" Clark said gently sipping his
tea. 

(Reply any)

(Posted by Mat)

(USS Sandog - Bridge - MSgt Sara Keats - Combat Intelligence Specialist -
15.14.5)





"I will be glad to help send him to hell.  Let's find Mr. Hunter and make
his family feel a supernova of pain.  Qapla!!"



Sara nodded, “Gunney, run scans of the area, I’d like to think we’ll find
him but rather suspect that he’s nowhere in range.”



(reply Johnston)



Sara flicked her eyes over the scan of the base once more, she could see
that the third reserve coolant was almost empty.

(USS Sandog – Bridge - CMO – Lt Tian Noble – 1515)

Tian stood in the center of the beige with the Marine CO watching as the explosive went off. 

“Get them off that station NOW!” Tian said. 
“Beam them all directly to sickbay” Tian said as he left the bridge and head to sickbay.

(Reply Any) 

“Find him he will have to uncloak in order to go to service the core exploding.” Tian was looking right at the tactical station now. 

(Reply Any) 

=/\= doctor we need a hand=/\= 

 (USS Sandog - Bridge - GSgt Allsion Johnston – Marine Communication Specialist -
15.16)

Sara nodded, “Gunney, run scans of the area, I’d like to think we’ll find
him but rather suspect that he’s nowhere in range.”

“Ay Ma’am” Allison replied as she scanned the local area.
“No sign of hunter pushing scanners to max”
“Still nothing I’m not sure what hes using to mask himself but we can’t get a lock on his location.
(reply Keats, Trei IYW)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay - CMO – Lt Tian Noble – 1518)

Tian walked into sickbay the room was in complete disarray. Tian eyes widened as he saw medics running over one another with no order to any of their actions. 

“Okay every one STOP! You are in a trauma situation break up into some two medics per zone use 4 zones. 

The medics moved all looking at him a bit in shock. ~really how did you people expect to save anyone~ 

Tian stepped to a bed that one of the medics where working at “don’t be a perfectionist mend them so they will live then move on we will come back to finish the job. 

Tian made his way around sickbay lending a hand where needed. After he finally got everyone on the same page thing where running more like his sickbay and not a complete mess.

(Reply Any)
(Posted by Richard)
 
(USS Sandog – Sickbay - CMO – Lt Tian Noble – 1520)

Tian looked up from patching his patient up watching the two marine medics stumble around almost useless like. 

“When we get back to the Paladin we are having a trauma class” tian snapped at the two he missed his team they knew what he wanted and what he expected. 

Tian moved over to the next patient trying to move quickly. 

“We need more help” Tian heard and decided to just ignore he really just needed them out at this point. 

Tian kept working until a sound brought him out of his deep concentration “please state the nature of the medical emergency” 

“COMPUTER DEACTIVATE THE EMH.. WHO DID IT” Tian was now staring hole in the two medics “GET OUT NOW” 

Tian watched as the two medics bolted from the room. 

“Bridge let the Paladin know we need a few medics over here I don’t have enough hands.”

(Reply Any) 

And where is the way team get them off that station before it blows up. 

(Reply ops team) 

“Activating that thing I won’t know who they think they are. That thing wouldn’t know medicine if it kick it in the Hilo admitters.”

(Reply Any)
(Posted by Richard) 
(USS Paladin – Bridge - Lt Cmdr Mil Nicolea – 1521)

'Sir, Aimee is back on board." Janey said as she continued to run her hands
over the screen. 

"Multiple explosions across the station, the core is still intact but the
structure won't hold for long. Noting the Sandog are trying to extract the
away teams." She finished 

"Thank the Prophets she's safe. Damage report for the Paladin. Keep beaming
as many as we can, launch the shuttles and runabouts to support. Continue
coordinating with the Sandog. Keep an eye on that core and pull us out at
the last moment. I'll be in sickbay." Mil spun to head to sickbay when
Janey stopped him

"Sir the Sandog are asking for medical support...what shall I tell them?" 

Mil stood for a moment, he looked at the door and at Janey he knew deep
down what he needed to do. Sighing he turned,

"Tell them I'm on my way. Have a medical team ready to beam over." Mil
looked to Janey who offered a sympathetic eye, they both knew what the job
entailed.

(USS Sandog – Sickbay - Lt Cmdr Mil Nicolea – 1523)

The blue haze passed and Mil looked at the chaos that ensued. 

"who is in charge here!" He called more demanding than asking as he slipped
the med kit off his shoulder and reaching for his tricorder.

(Reply Noble)

(Posted by Mat)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay - CMO Tian Noble– 1525)

"who is in charge here!" He called more demanding than asking as he slipped the med kit off his shoulder and reaching for his tricorder.

Tian looked up from where he was working “technically some marine but that wasn’t working out so I took over.” Tian tone was still hard from the medic he had been dealing with and the words came out more hatful then he intended. 

By the tome his eye connect with who asked the question was left speechless. 

Tian moved to the next bed scanning the young boy. 

“I kinda expected more then one person”

(Reply Nicolea)

Tian looked back at this boy as he set the tricorder down

“You see that guy there” Tian said talking to the poor as he placed a hand on his shoulder while holding his arm. 

The boy gave a nod “well he left for a desk job at Starfleet medical a while ago and now he’s back. Tian popped the boys shoulder back into place about the boy gasped then looked at Tian. 

“I’d like to know why he’s back as well.”

(Reply Nicolea)
(Posted by Richard)

USS Sandog – Sickbay -  Lt Cmdr Mil Nicolae– 1526)

"technically some marine but that wasn’t working out so I took over.”
the familiar voice called from the other side of the sickbay. It not being
hard to see considering its size. 

“I kinda expected more then one person” Tain continued as he worked. 

Mil strode over dodging the squirt of blood that flew across the room. The
smell of burning flesh made him slightly uneasy, it had been a long while
since he had been in battlefield conditions. 

"If you had looked a little sooner Ensign you would have noticed the four
nurses I brought with me."

Nrpg: remmebering I had said I had a small med team.....

RPG:

As Mil arrived at the bedside he noticed that Tains rank had changed, 

"I do apologise, LT Noble, seems you've gone up in the world since we last
met".

True to form and as Mil expected the young Dr tried to put Mil into his
place. 

“You see that guy there, well he left for a desk job at Starfleet medical
a while ago and now he’s back. I’d like to know why he’s back as
well.” Tain said popping the boys shoulder back in.

Mil picked up the PADD and looked over the notes that had been generated

"It's a fleeting visit Mr Noble, don't get sentimental." He started
scanning the boy and reached for the hypo to administer the pain relief.

"We'll transfer the walking wounded over to the Paladin, it's not like it
can cope with much more. Although the core is due to blow shortly, did you
get the away team." Mil asked looking around for an orderly to organise the
train transporters.

"Whose on the bridge?" He finished. 

(Reply Noble)

(Posted by Mat)

(USS Paladin – Sickbay – USS Paladin - ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken - 1527)

Aimee coughed as she materialised on a biobed on the Paladin, the EMH
overfussing as always

“Incoming patient GCS: …”

“I’m…” she coughed a couple of times, clearing some of the smoke off her
chest. “ I’m okay.” She pulled herself upright, accepting the shots that
the EMH gave her to help open her airways, and to help her system
irradicate toxins.

“Thank you, really I’m fine. ”

“Your vitals are elevated, an elevated heart rate, blood CO is dropping now
due to the shot that I just gave you, you’ll need rest and…”

Aimee sighed. “My vitals are elevated because I’ve just been near an
explosion, the ex boyfriend that I tore the emotional heart out of has just
randomly reappeared in my life, my mother died not long ago, and I’ve had
quite a lot of coffee. So yes, my vitals are up, as is my need to get a
change of clothes, and back to work, you have wounded, the Paladin has
wounded.”

The EMH blinked slightly, “Forgive me…you have some medical capability?”

Aimee swore quietly to herself. “Computer, activate file
Bracken-epsilon-iota-two.”

The computer beeped and acknowledged a confirmation

The EMH paused for the briefest of moments, “I see. Please forgive me
Doctor Bracken. You should know that we mostly have walking wounded, the
Sandog is in need of medics.” He paused, “I can trust you to seek
assistance should you need it?”

She nodded, “Of course.”

“Then you’d better get on.”

She motioned at a replicator, mind if I grab some scrubs?

He smiled. “Please. I’ll let you carry on.”

A few moments later, she discarded the civilian clothes that she had worn,
and after pulling on the short-sleeved surgical scrubs that she usually
wore on duty, affixed her rank pips to the right collar, and looked at
herself briefly in the mirror. She looked dreadful, it was horribly clear
that she had been crying, she looked tired and drawn, but there wasn’t time
for herself.



“Computer, initiate emergency transfer to the Sandog sickbay.”

Again the computer beeped an acknowledgement, and one sickbay dissolved
even as another appeared.

She saw Nicholae immediately and the Officer that she recognised as Noble.
Wasting no time, she pulled her hair into a messy ponytail and grabbed a
surgical kit and medical tricorder, before striding over to the two male
officers. Her full professional manner filling the space between them.

(Reply Noble)

“Nicholae, Noble. Who’s triaging. Where do you need me? She turned her head
around the room, observing the injured with a clinical eye.

“well?”

(Reply Noble)

(Posted by Mark)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay -  CMO LT Tian Noble– 1528)

"Whose on the bridge?" He finished.

“Marines and Lt Trei, I feel like it was in better hands then this med bay so I’ve chosen to be here.” Tian said as he helped the boy down to be transported to the Paladin. Tian wouldn’t admit to it but he was happy to see his old mentor it actually made him feel at ease knowing someone had his back.

(reply Nicolae)
As the two kept working like it felt like it was yesterday that Tian was the ACMO under Mil, but he knew deep down he wasn’t he was the CMO of this ship and anything that happened now was on his shoulder not Mils. Tian expected the next person to beam to the ship would be the rest of the away team what he didn’t expect was to see the new Doctor.

“Nicholae, Noble. Who’s triaging. Where do you need me? She turned her head
around the room, observing the injured with a clinical eye.

“well?”

“We are limited the nurses are doing most of the categorizing at this point at least they are deciding who is in most need of our care. If you’re here to give us assistant. Zone 1 is red most in need of us zone 2 yellow will make it but needs some medical help and zone 3 fast patch and beam to the paladin.” Tian said explain his process he felt it was just the thing they for sure was running smoothly. Now that they had a third doctor it should be even better.

(reply Bracken Nicolae)

“Doctor are you sure your up to this?” Tian wanted more to see what kind of Doctor she was then hearing the word no, but he had to ask.
(reply Bracken)
(posted by Richard)

 (USS Sandog – Sickbay -   LTcmdr  Mil Nicolae– 1529)

“Marines and Lt Trei, I feel like it was in better hands then this med 
bay so I’ve chosen to be here.” Tain answered helping the boy down, Mil
had moved onto the next patient

Mil tapped his comm badge. "Nicolae to Lt Trei, status report" 

(Reply Trei)

Looking at the patient Mil triaged 

"Compund fracture along the left fibia, third degree burns face and arm,
internal bleeding...." Before he could finish a familiar voice broke in.
Waves of emotions flooded within a second he felt his hands go clammy and
his heart pounding.

“Nicholae, Noble. Who’s triaging. Where do you need me? well?” Aimee
asked. 

Mil nodded to Tain to give the hand over. 

“We are limited the nurses are doing most of the categorizing at this 
point at least they are deciding who is in most need of our care. If 
you’re here to give us assistant. Zone 1 is red most in need of us zone 
2 yellow will make it but needs some medical help and zone 3 fast patch 
and beam to the paladin.” Tian finished.

(reply Bracken)

“Doctor are you sure your up to this?”  Tain asked as Mil turned to
face the woman who had meant so much and done so much to him. 

"You should be in sickbay on a bed Aimee" Mil felt annoyance towards her,
she had always been a boundary pusher. 

(Reply Noble, Bracken)

(Posted by Mat)

(USS Sandog - Bridge - CSEC  LT(SG)  Detron Trei - 15.30)
He heard Nicolae over his COMM badge asking for a status report.  He really didn't have much to report.  The location of Hunter was unknown but the station was cleared of people as far as he understood.  He tapped his badge.
"Trei here.  The location of Hunter is unknown but the station is cleared of people.  Hunter is being tracked will inform you when he is located sir.  Trei out."
(Reply Nicolae)
(Posted by Edward)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken – 1531)

 “We are limited the nurses are doing most of the categorizing at
this point at least they are deciding who is in most need of our care.
If you’re here to give us assistant. Zone 1 is red most in need of us
zone 2 yellow will make it but needs some medical help and zone 3 fast
patch and beam to the paladin.” Tian finished.

Aimee nodded, “Okay, I’ll hit red.”

“Doctor are you sure your up to this?”  Tain asked as Mil turned to her as
well.

"You should be in sickbay on a bed Aimee" Mil was annoyed, she could tell.

“Mil, you’re probably right, but at the moment those people are dying, I am
not; and there are not enough of us to go around as it is. I can’t go and
have a little rest because I’m feeling sorry for myself.” she was perhaps a
little more snappy than she meant to be.

(Reply Nicholae, Noble)

Aimee turned and walked across the floor toward zone 1, the memories coming
back to her of her many stints in the ER. She reached the first patient,
who she scanned immediately. She turned to a young marine combat medic who
was making the wounded feel a tiny bit more comfortable. “A little help
here”

“Young male, unconscious, ruptured spleen and internal bleeding, vitals
weakening.” She passed her the surgical kit.

“You know which bit is which?”

The young female combat medic nodded, “Sir.”

“Good. I can work faster if you hand me what I need. I’ll call out what I
need pass me whatever I ask for quickly and straight into my right hand,
clear?”

She nodded.

“Autosuture.” Aimee took the implement as it was handed to her; and began
to operate on the stricken young male.

“You helped triage these? What’s next up?

(Reply any, none)

(Posted by Mark)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – Med, Lt Cndr Mil Nicolae – 1532)

“Mil, you’re probably right, but at the moment those people are dying,
I am not; and there are not enough of us to go around as it is. I can’t
go and have a little rest because I’m feeling sorry for myself.” Mil
felt Aimee snapped at her a little, he watched as her hair bobbed when she
moved, he fell in love with her snappy temper and the way she was always
ready.

"No probably about it. Mr Noble, I suggest you keep an eye on the good Dr
here." He looked over at Tain with a look. 

As Aimee walked over to her zone the transporters wired with the awayteam
appearing. 

"Nurse!" Mil yelled rushing over to the group. He zoned in on a young
Ensign. 

"Name" he asked 

(Reply Lanny)

"Mr Lanney, I'm Dr Nicolae, how are you feeling?" He asked scanning the man

(Reply Lanny) 

"Smoke inhalation, internal brusing but you're fine. Medical knowledge?" He
asked impatiently

(Reply Lanney)

Nrpg: I'm going out on a limb here and guessing Adrian has some sort of
basic field knowly

RPG:

"Good, grab a tricorder and assist Dr Noble, I'll give you pain meds but
you're in better shape then most the people in this room.

(Reply Lanny)

Mil turnes and looked at a man that was starting to yell about Hunter.

"I'm Dr Nicolae, I'm guessing by the voice you're Commander Gibbs." Mil
asked scanning him

"And you're supposed to be in command of the Paladin." Chris replied
sharply trying to sit up.

"The Paladin is in good hands, as are you, lay back" Mil said with his
usual abrupt bedside manner

"I need to get to the Paladin" 

"You need to sit back" Mil said putting his arm on Chris shoulder

Chris looked down at Mils hand "I suggest you take your hand off me.

"Commander Gibbs, let me tell you a story, I served as Captain Strattons
CMO, I once releaved her of Duty and had her report for a medical. Now, we
both know how determined she is. Trust me, if I'm not scared of Eva
Stratton, I won't break a sweat dealing with you. I suggest you LAY DOWN!"
Mil finished pushing a stunned Chris onto the bio bed." 

(Reply Lanney, any)

(Posted by Mat)
(USS Sandog – Sickbay – CMO LT Tian Nobble – 1533)

 “We are limited the nurses are doing most of the categorizing at
this point at least they are deciding who is in most need of our care.
If you’re here to give us assistant. Zone 1 is red most in need of us
zone 2 yellow will make it but needs some medical help and zone 3 fast
patch and beam to the paladin.” Tian finished.

Aimee nodded, “Okay, I’ll hit red.”

“Doctor are you sure your up to this?”  Tain asked as Mil turned to her as
well.

"You should be in sickbay on a bed Aimee" Mil was annoyed, she could tell.

“Mil, you’re probably right, but at the moment those people are dying, I am
not; and there are not enough of us to go around as it is. I can’t go and
have a little rest because I’m feeling sorry for myself.” she was perhaps a
little more snappy than she meant to be.

Tian had to hold back the laughter with the current situation but he did manage to let a mall smirk escape “She told you.” He said in a friendly tone towards his old friend.

"No probably about it. Mr Noble, I suggest you keep an eye on the good Dr
here." He looked over at Tain with a look.  Tian face went blank what was going on there he wanted to know as the away team beamed in. Tian walked over as Mil gave orders like he was running the show or something, but Tian let it slide he was enjoying the medicine of it all he was going to let him deal with the politics. Especially Gibbs. Tian knew that it was going to be a fight getting him to stay in sick bay and let Hunter possibly get away.  Who at this point was already yelling about Hunter.

Tian walked over to Addison helping her up and on to a bio bed  he whispered for what it worth Alyl is still alive just bearly and we’ve reached out to the trill councilor they will meet us with a new host shortly.

“J…o…i…nnn…  US” Addison sobbed
“You know I cannot do that.” Tian said as he scanned Addison and Lanney joined him.
“I… What Addison…” Tian looked at someone he knew was a friend someone he trusted and someone who world he was about to rip apart.
“Addison is there something you need us to know.” Addison looked at him with a blank look
“Doctor Noble I have not idea what your getting out so please spit it out I’m in no mood.” Addison hissed at him.
Looking at Adrian know just being a little hurt that she yelled at him.

“You see ensign why we can’t join Addison with Alyl here well we have two reason..”
“Well two reason one being because you don’t want to and the other being because those old fuddys say I’m destined to be the one to help with the joining and not be joined myself.” Addison interrupted Tian. He looked at her

“You know that isn’t true well not all of it, but I cannot cut into a Pregnant woman abdomen.” Addison started crying again.

(reply any)

“I am?” Addison asked tears flowing down her face once again.
“You didn’t know” Tian said pausing for a moment
“I will need to do a full scan once we get to a starbase or back on the paladin where I have what I need for now go sit in the office and get something to drink.” He helped Addison down and looked at Adrian
“This is going to be hard for her” Tian said once she was out of ear shot.

(reply Lenny)

"Commander Gibbs, let me tell you a story, I served as Captain Strattons
CMO, I once releaved her of Duty and had her report for a medical. Now, we
both know how determined she is. Trust me, if I'm not scared of Eva
Stratton, I won't break a sweat dealing with you. I suggest you LAY DOWN!"
Mil finished pushing a stunned Chris onto the bio bed."

Tian looked over to Gibbs and Mil a small coming across his face. Tian walked over to the the bio bed next to the two and handed Lenny the tricorder “Scan him for me will you” Tian asked kneeling next to Gibbs. “Hes good stubborn, but good and it will be easier if you just go with it and you’ll be on the bridge a little sooner than if you fight with him.” Tian said knowing that Gibbs probably wasn’t going to listen
“Oh, and one more thing don’t worry too much he isn’t going to be around long you’ll be stuck with me again before long. Right Commander, by the way I’m not sure he could relieve you of duty since he isn’t Chief medical officer assigned to this ship, but I’m also not sure what his actual title is now” Tian said giving Mil a bit of a childish smile.

(reply Gibbs, Nicoela)
(posted by Richard)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACSO Ensign (sg) Adrian Lanney, day 4 – 1534)

"Name" A voice asked from above him. Looking up Adrian noticed the pips on
the uniform.

"Lanney,  Adrian, Sir, " Adrian replied.

"Mr Lanney, I'm Dr Nicolae, how are you feeling?" He asked scanning the man

"I was thrown over a railing by the blast." *Cough.* "Landed pretty hard.
My chest hurts down the left hand side sir."

"Smoke inhalation, internal brusing but you're fine. Medical knowledge?" He
asked impatiently

"Basic classes at the academy sir, mainly xenobiology, and botany however I
know enough about bipedal carbon based races to read a medical tricorder
and diagnose common injuries."

"Good, grab a tricorder and assist Dr Noble, I'll give you pain meds but
you're in better shape then most the people in this room.

Adrian nodded even as the dr was leaving. Getting up he visually scanned
the room and spotted noble across from him. He headed over.

“I… What Addison…” Tian looked at someone he knew was a friend someone he
trusted and someone who world he was about to rip apart.
“Addison is there something you need us to know.” Addison looked at
him with a blank look
“Doctor Noble I have not idea what your getting out so please spit it out
I’m in no mood.” Addison hissed at him.
Looking at Adrian know just being a little hurt that she yelled at him.

“You see ensign why we can’t join Addison with Alyl here well we have two
reason..”
“Well two reason one being because you don’t want to and the other
being because those old fuddys say I’m destined to be the one to help with
the joining and not be joined myself.” Addison interrupted Tian. He looked
at her

“You know that isn’t true well not all of it, but I cannot cut into
a Pregnant woman abdomen.” Addison started crying again.

(reply any)

“I am?” Addison asked tears flowing down her face once again.
“You didn’t know” Tian said pausing for a moment
“I will need to do a full scan once we get to a starbase or back on
the paladin where I have what I need for now go sit in the office and
get something to drink.” He helped Addison down and looked at Adrian
“This is going to be hard for her” Tian said once she was out of ear shot.

"It would be hard on anyone. When there is some semblance of normality
around here we can focus on helping her get through this, but right now we
need to focus on the immediate situation." Adrian replied, partly to
himself, still a little in shock himself after the events of the last few
hours.

"Commander Gibbs, let me tell you a story, I served as Captain
Strattons CMO, I once releaved her of Duty and had her report for a
medical. Now,
we both know how determined she is. Trust me, if I'm not scared of
Eva Stratton, I won't break a sweat dealing with you. I suggest you
LAY DOWN!"
Mil finished pushing a stunned Chris onto the bio bed."

Tian looked over to Gibbs and Mil a small coming across his face.
Tian walked over to the the bio bed next to the two and handed Lenny
the tricorder “Scan him for me will you” Tian asked kneeling next to Gibbs.
“Hes good stubborn, but good and it will be easier if you just go with it
and you’ll be on the bridge a little sooner than if you fight with him.”
Tian said.


“Oh, and one more thing don’t worry too much he isn’t going to be
around long you’ll be stuck with me again before long. Right Commander, by
the
way I’m not sure he could relieve you of duty since he isn’t Chief medical
officer assigned to this ship, but I’m also not sure what his actual title
is now” Tian said giving Mil a bit of a childish smile.

Adrian finished the scan and looked at Noble.

"Bronchial inflammation, likely from smoke inhalation, several type 2 burns
across the torso and a number of small fractures across his skeletal
structure." Adrian reported, showing the screen to Noble.

(Reply Noble)

(Posted by Adrian)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – Startfleet Liaison-  Lt Cmdr Mil Nicolae – 1535)

“Hes good stubborn, but good and it will be easier if you just go with it
and you’ll be on the bridge a little sooner than if you fight with 
him.” Dr Noble said as he scanned the patient next to them.

"I need to get back to work, will you get off me!" Chris bellowed as he was
being held down

“Oh, and one more thing don’t worry too much he isn’t going to be
around 
long you’ll be stuck with me again before long. Right Commander, by the 
way I’m not sure he could relieve you of duty since he isn’t Chief 
medical officer assigned to this ship, but I’m also not sure what his 
actual title is now” Tian said giving Mil a bit of a childish smile.

Mil laughed a little inside and fought the smile that was trying to come
across his face, Tain had certainly learnt well 

"Considering this isn't your sickbay Dr Noble and I'm the highest ranking
medical officer onboard, coupled with my position in Starfleet i fear you
may be wrong. As for not being around for long, who knows what the furture
may hold." Mil said finishing the scan. 

(Reply any, all)

"All things considered you're in good shape bar the fracture but you can
stay put, I want to keep an eye on you." Mil said looking at Chris 

"Mr Lanney, I'll let you get to work on your Commander, if he tries to get
up sedated him." Mil leant over and picked up the hypo filling it with
saline he hoped Chris didn't really understand medicine and that Adrian
did.

(Reply Lanney)

Mil looked at the time, "something's not right" 

Walking to Aimee he caught the urge to get too close "Aimee, the station is
still in one peice, you sure it was set to blow?"

(Reply Bracken,)

(reply Lanney, Bracken, Noble, any)
(posted by Mat)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACMO Lt (jg) Aimee Bracken  – 1536)


Walking to Aimee he caught the urge to get too close "Aimee, the station is
still in one peice, you sure it was set to blow?"

Aimee looked up from the procedure she was performing, a tricky shrapnel
removal in the shoulder of a hostage from the base.

“slowly as we extract, its close to the carotid.” she glanced at the
chronometer “ within a reasonable error but yes it should have blown.” her
face was puzzled but she continued speaking. “look, I know what you're
thinking, and you're correct I'm not an engineer. I can run basic core
diagnostics though.” she smiled, and began to withdraw the two inch piece
of metal.

(Reply Nicholae)

Aimee’s face turned to puzzlement again.

“you know it was the wierdest thing.” she placed the tongs and shrapnel on
a tray that the young marine medic held. “autosuture”

(Reply nicholae)

“when i was in the system it was as if someone else was too. Kind of trying
to help but getting in the way.” she paused the suturing, uncertain for a
second. “you remember when we were on that boat and we were both trying to
steer? But getting in each others way so it was just harder? It kinda felt
like that at first."


(reply Nicholae)
(posted by Mark)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACSO Ensign (sg) Adrian Lanney – 1536.5)


"Mr Lanney, I'll let you get to work on your Commander, if he tries to get
up sedated him." Mil leant over and picked up the hypo filling it with
saline.

"Yes sir," Adrian replied. Turning to Chris, he opted to try a logical
approach. As he spoke he readied an Osteogenic stimulator to fix the main
bone fractures.

"Given how badly some people are hurt they will probably let you go in a
couple of hours to free the bio bed, if you are sedated they will keep you
here until it wears off. Are you going to stay put or do I need the
sedatives?"

(Reply Chris, Noble iyw, any)

(Posted by Adrian)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – Lt Cmdr Mil Nicolae  – 1538)

“slowly as we extract, its close to the carotid, within a reasonable
error but yes it should have blown.

look, I know what you're thinking, and you're correct I'm not an engineer.
I can run basic core diagnostics though.” she smiled, and began to
withdraw the two inch piece of metal.

"But I understand you were particularly precise in your estimation.
Something's wrong." Mil said watching how Aimee dealt with the patient, he
had always been jeleous of her surgical skills; he was more a triage
doctor, now more a penpusher than anything.

“you know it was the wierdest thing....autosuture” She said stopping
for a moment to have the device handed to her, Mil took it from the nurse.

"Autosuture..." He said handing it to her.
“when i was in the system it was as if someone else was too. Kind of
trying to help but getting in the way.” she paused the suturing,
uncertain for a second. “you remember when we were on that boat and we
were both trying to steer? But getting in each others way so it was just
harder? It kinda felt like that at first."

Mil let out a little laugh "you mean the time you wouldn't listen to reason
and kept making your own decisions despite me being right?" 

(Reply Bracken)

"Something's never change" Mil said taking back the autosuture and placing
it on the table. The noise in the room faded and it felt as if it was just
them. Mil shook his head and looked around as someone screamed.

"I'll go" Mil called as he rushed across the room.

"Noble, Lannry!" He shouted grabbing a tricorder and heading to what would
appear to be Lt Vesper

(reply Bracken, Noble, Lannry)
(posted by Mat)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken  – 1539)



Mil let out a little laugh "you mean the time you wouldn't listen to reason
and kept making your own decisions despite me being right?"



Aimee laughed gently, a small smile lifting her tired face. “I know as much
about boats as you. Back end, pointy end, two sides and a keel.” She stuck
her tongue out at Mil as she handed him back the autosuture, and picked up
the hypospray and gave the patient a shot of antibiotics and antivirals.



"Something's never change" Mil said taking back the autosuture and placing
it on the table. The noise in the room faded and it felt as if it was just
them. Mil shook his head and looked around as someone screamed.



“What the…? Need me? I have lots here in zone 1 still.”



"I'll go" Mil called as he rushed across the room.



"Noble, Lannry!" He shouted grabbing a tricorder and heading to what would
appear to be Lt Vesper



Aimee was torn, wanting to help, but Vesper was in good hands. Mil was a
very good trauma Doc, and though she didn’t really know him, Noble carried
himself with the air of a highly able surgeon. She turned away, and stepped
gently to the next patient, taking the offered hypospray from the nurse,
and gave the patient the standard shot of pain medication and a mild
sedative.



“Patient is a young male aged between 18 and 25,” Aimee began, looking at
the scans, “suspected intercranial haematoma, damage to c6 and c7
vertabrae, shattered clavicle, minor dislocations.” She turned to the
nurse, “I should have seen him first.” She continued, ignore the flush of
embarrassment from the nurse. “We need to relieve pressure on the brain.
This one is going to be tricky.”



(reply any, none)
(posted by Mark)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay –CMO -  Lt Tian Noble  – 1541)

"Noble, Lanney!" He shouted grabbing a tricorder and heading to what would appear to be Lt Vespers 

Tian gave a verbal sigh sitting down his interments he got up and walked over towards the scream. 

Walking over to Vesper he took a knee across from Mil. “What ya got”?
Tian asked 

(Reply Mil, Lanney)
(Posted by Richard)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – CMO - Lt Tian Noble – 1542)

Tian had moved on to the next bad as Commander Gibbs wasn’t that bad he didn’t need a full medic to fix him up, but he wasn’t sure if Lanney could handle Gibbs at the same time, so he didn’t go far only a few bio beds away. Just in ear shot.

"You know you answer to me don't you Ensign? Hunter is out there and we
need to get him, now please let me get to the bridge." Chris was careful
not to move or make a scene hoping that the young officer would fall in
line.

Tian smirked a little as he heard Gibbs give an argument that was hard to beat. Tian didn’t say anything right away he wanted to see what Lanney would do.

Looking at the man lying on the bio bed in front of him and the many small objects that was stuck in his abdomen Tian grabbed one of the small stools and moved it over with his foot  as he scanned making sure that the objects where not in any real danger of making the man bleed out. As it was only two of them where going to be a problem to remove.

Tian looked towards the office seeing Addison sitting there in a daze hand on her stomach he felt bad telling her like he did. He really didn’t think she wouldn’t know. Tian administered a sedative and a pain reliever.

Picking up he tools he started removing the less risky pieces first. Tian worked taking his time to make sure he didn’t cause any extra tearing or bleeding. 

Tian kept looking over at Addison while he worked he was worried about her. He wanted to be able to fix it make it alright, but he knew that wasn’t possible. 

(Reply none)
(Posted by Richard)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACSO Ensign (sg) Adrian Lanney – 1543)

"Noble, Lanney!" Mil shouted grabbing a tricorder and heading to what would
appear to be Lt Vesper.

Adrian turned to Chris.

"Sir, as your attending medical officer, under the federation medical
rules, guidelines and permissions, I am ordering you to stay here." Adrian
said, hoping Chris didn't call him on it later.

(Reply Chris iyw)

Adrian followed Tian over to where Mil and Vesper were.

“What ya got”? Tian asked. Adrian looked at his tricorder as the scan
results came in.

"She took the blast to one side. Heavy burns to her left side, some quite
deep lacerations." He reported. He looked at the other two, the injuries
were worse than he had dealt with before and wanted their experience in
making the treatment decision.

(Reply Mil, Noble)
(Posted by Adrian)

(USS Sandog – Bridge – Allison Johnston –SSgt- Communications Specialist– 1550)

Allison was at the operation station trying her best to keep up with all the different incoming messages this was for sure her specialty but at even this was starting to get to her. This action is why she wanted to be a Marine, also why she refused to take any other position then one outside of a Marine.

“Ma’am I have the away team transporting them to sickbay incase any needs medical assistants.”

(reply Keatsm, any on away team)

 “Paladin ops suggest that we raise shields and move to a safe distance now ma’am they say we are out of time.”

(reply Keats)

Allison looked over to MSGT Keats she didn’t know what it was but it bugged her that she was out ranked by someone was a few years younger the she was. It always bothered her to take order from someone  who joined the corp years after she did, but at the same time she had to look up to her she had made such a big impact on the squad.

“Ma’am Paladin sent rendezvous coordinates out of this sector. Sending to helm now.”

(reply Keats any)
(posted by Richard)

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – CO - Lt Cmdr Chris Gibbs – 1537)

"Given how badly some people are hurt they will probably let you go in a
couple of hours to free the bio bed, if you are sedated they will keep you
here until it wears off. Are you going to stay put or do I need the
sedatives?" Adrian asked as he got to work. 

"You know you answer to me don't you Ensign? Hunter is out there and we
need to get him, now please let me get to the bridge." Chris was careful
not to move or make a scene hoping that the young officer would fall in
line. 

(Reply Chris, Noble iyw, any)

(Posted by Adrian)

(USS Sandog – Bridge – MSgt Sara Keats - Combat Intelligence Specialist –
1551)



“Ma’am I have the away team transporting them to sickbay in case any needs
medical assistants.”

Sara nodded, “Good Job Johnston. Do one more last check for any lifesigns
remaining.”

  “Paladin ops suggest that we raise shields and move to a safe distance
now ma’am they say we are out of time.”

“Concur.” She turned to Trei. “With your permission Sir?”

(Reply Trei)

 “Begin procedures for leaving. Helm, lay in a course, bring us about
alongside the Paladin.” She called orders out across the bridge.


“Ma’am Paladin sent rendezvous coordinates out of this sector. Sending to
helm now.”

(Reply Trei)

“Helm, alter course to rendezvous.”

Sara looked at the chronometer in front of her. A puzzled frown appearing,
she turned to Johnston, who caught her gaze.

“We were out of time how long ago. Gunney, Where’s the boom?”

(Reply Johnston)

On the station a few things started happening, first, the lithium control
rod that had been slowing the reaction down melted, this changed the
containment field just enough that the energy from the reaction in the core
began to heat the lining of the core.

Scorching hot on the inside and covered in coolant on the outside the core
couldn’t take the strain and blew, taking up the explosives with it and
thus most of the station began its fiery death.

(reply Trei)

(posted by Mark)


(USS Sandog - Bridge - CSEC  LT(SG)  Detron Trei - 15.52)

Keats reported that the away team was ready to transport to sickbay.  She asked for permission to do so.  She really didn't need the permission but Detron gave it anyway.
"Granted.  Is there anything else to report."

(Reply Keats)(Posted by Edward)

(USS Sandog – Bridge – GSgt Allison Johnston – Marine Communication specialist –
1553)

“We were out of time how long ago. Gunney, Where’s the boom?”
“I” Allison started then pressed a few buttons on the console in front of her she wasn’t sure what to say or why the explosion hadn’t happened yet. Before she could explain herself a series of things happened that saved her from trying to figure out why they didn’t have an answer yet.

(reply none)
(posted by Richard)

(USS Sandog – Bridge – Communication Specialist GSgt Allison Johnston – 1556)

Allison listened to what was going on around her,  but she was still couldn’t see why the thing hadn’t blown yet it was for sure over do.

“oh there it is… I mean all hand brace for impact..” Allison only barely got out before the she saw the explosives go off in a sequence she found kind of weird but probably the only thing that saved them at that point. It was like each of them had a few seconds delay one after the other like someone was made sure they all wouldn’t blow at once.
~why would he do that~

Allison watched as each one went off it was  a bit sad she expected a big boom, but it was more like smaller booms happening one after the other.

~hmmm most of the station still fine that isn’t right.~ Allison pressed a few buttons trying to figure out what one didn’t go off . “oh the core” Allison said then it clicked a second later

“we need” she didn’t finish before the loud boom happened and the final piece went up
“Turn us so we use the wave to move forward.” Johnston said giving the order directly to the helm. As she the ship turned the wave hit pushing the Paladin and Sandog in to different directions separating them slightly. Allison stood back up fixing her pony tail.
“Sandog is fine shields holding at 85%, station is completely destroyed lost 50 individuals we where unable to beam off. Paladin reports all good on their end as well” Allison finished her report. She still couldn’t figure out how they had so much extra time.

(reply none)
(posted by Richard)

(USS Sandog – Bridge – Allison Johnston –GSgt Communications Specialist– 1630)

As she ship dropped out of warp next to the Paladin Allison sent another message to Starfleet letting them know where there situation. 

“Incoming hale from starfeet command” Allison said. 

(Reply Trei)

=/\=Lt Trei this is Admiral Jones I’m sorry to hear about the failure and the amount of damage Commander Hunter has caused. As it is we are opening a full investigation I can assure you. As for the Sandog and Paladin you are both ordered to report to Starbase Geneva.”=/\=

(Reply Trei) 

When the channel closed Allison felt a bit more at ease at least they did not ordered them to go after hunter at this time it seemed starfeet wanted more information on the subject. 

(Reply Trei,Any)
(Posted by Richard)

(USS Sandog - Bridge - CSEC  LT(SG)  Detron Trei - 16.35)
He heard the message over the COMM from the Admiral explaining their condolences on the failed mission.  The Sandog and Paladin were subsequently ordered to go to Starbase Geneva.  He was more than willing to do that after all the damage sustained.  He would have liked to go after Hunter, but repairs took precedent .  He tapped his COMM.
"Trei Here.  We will go to Geneva immediately.  We will await further orders there Trei out."
He looked over to Johnston and the bridge crew.  A knowing nod or expression does more that speaking the order.  He turned to the operations station.
"You heard the Admiral.  Set a course to Starbase Geneva. Warp 8. Engage."
(Reply Johnston . any)
(Posted by Edward)


||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

Mission Filler of Time
Day 5
Stardate 2418  12.20
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken/ CMO LT Tian Noble  – 0400)
(USS Sandog – Holodeck 1 – Intel Combat Spec -  MSgt Keats  – 0500)
(USS Paladin – Marine NCO Office – Smaj Sara Keats - 0700)
(USS Paladin – Marine NCO Office – Com Spec Gsgt Allison Johnston - 0703)
(USS Paladin – Marine NCO Office – Combat Intel Spec MSgt Sara Keats - 0704)
(USS Paladin – Marine NCO Office – Comm Spec - GSgt Allison Johnston - 0706)
(USS Paladin – Marine NCO Office – Combat Intel Spec - MSgt Sara Keats - 0708)
(USS Geneva - Temporary Quarters - ACEO  Commander Steven Matrix - 10.00)
(Starbase Geneva - Admirals Ready Room - Admiral Emmie Green - 1120)
(USS Paladin - Ready Room - CO - CPT Chris Gibbs - 1300)
(USS Paladin - Ready Room - CMO – LT Tian Noble - 1302)
(USS Paladin - Ready Room - CO – CPT Chris Gibbs - 1304)
(USS Paladin - Ready Room - FO –LT CMDR Tian Noble - 1306)
(USS Paladin - Ready Room - CO–CPT Chris Gibbs - 1308)
(USS Paladin - Ready Room - FO–LT Cmdr Tian Noble - 1309)
(USS Paladin - Turbolit - CO– Captain Chris Gibbs– 1320)
USS Paladin - Holodeck- Councilor– Ens Addison MacCaulay– 1330)
(USS Paladin - Holodeck - CSEC  LT(SG)  Detron Trei - 1340)
(USS Paladin - Holodeck - ACSO Ensign (sg) Adrian Lanney - 13.41)
(USS Paladin - Holodeck – Chief Councilor Ensign (sg) Addison MacCaulay - 13.44)
(USS Paladin – personal Quarters - Comm Spec - Gsgt Allison Johnston ,2000)
(USS Paladin – Personal Quarters - Combat Intel Msgt Sara Keats – 2005)
(USS Paladin – Personal Quarters - Comm specialist Gsgt Allison Johnston – 2009) 
(Starbase Guneva -Restaurant – FO – Lt Cmdr Tian Noble – 2100)
(Starbase Guneva -Restaurant – TC – Cmdr Mil Nicolae – 2110)
(USS Paladin – Personal Quarters – Combat Intel Msgt Sara Keats – 2011)
(Starbase Guneva -Restaurant – FO– LT Cmdr Tian Noble – 2116)
(Starbase Guneva -Restaurant – TC– Cmdr Mil Nicolae – 2118) 
(Starbase Geneva -Restaurant – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken – 2125)
(Starbase Geneva -Restaurant – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken – 2126)
(Starbase Geneva -Restaurant – TC - Cmdr Mil Nicolae – 2127)
(Starbase Geneva -Restaurant – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken – 2128)
(Starbase Geneva -Restaurant – TC Cmdr Mil Nicolae – 2124)
(SB Geneva– Station Club/bar- Comm specialist Gsgt Allison Johnston – 2030) 
(SB Geneva– Station Club/bar- Combat Intel MSgt Sara Keats – 2034)
(SB Geneva– Station Club/bar- Comm specialist Gsgt Allison Johnston – 2040)
(SB Geneva– Station Club/bar- Combat Intel -  MSgt – 2041)
(SB Geneva– Station Club/bar- Com Spec -  GSgt  Allison Johnston– 2045)
(SB Geneva– Station Club/bar- Combat Intel MSgt Sara Keats and Comm Spec GSgt  Allison Johnston– 2050)



||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

(USS Sandog – Sickbay – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken/ CMO LT Tian Noble  – 0400)


The siren ripped her out of the deepest of sleeps, the waning consciousness of slumber left its weary trace on her mind, the remnants of a dream, of a feeling evaporating against the noise of her sparse quarters.

“Off”

She pulled herself out of bed, stretching a stiff muscle in the middle of her back, seemingly hiding under her left shoulder blade.

“Computer, state nature of emergency.”


“Female human, aged 28, 29 weeks pregnant, showing signs of early onset labour. Currently assigned Surgical Bay 2. Lieutenant Noble also alerted.”


Aimee swore, pulling on her underwear and surgical scrubs that she always kept by her bed. Then ran out of her room, pushing only half surprised Officers out of her way.

“Bracken to Noble. NOBLE! Bracken en route to surgical bay 2 Your backside better be around, this is your field not mine. Crash team be ready for the long haul.”

Tian was running down the hall pulling on his scrub top when he heard bracken shriek in the COM.

~ugh~ he didn’t have the coffee needed in his system for that just yet.

“I’m already in my way” he said as he finishing pulling on his top turning a bit to soon and smacking face first into the wall.

Tian looked around hoping no one saw that then ran in the sickbay doors.

“Be ready for a crash C-section get an incubator ready” Tian called out as he walked into the room.

 “Get a run of ACS ready just to be safe contractions seem pretty far apart we may have a few hours.” Tian said grabbing the ultrasound device putting gel on the women Tian ran the wand across her stomach. Looking at the 3-D image he moved over studying.

Looking at Aimee “Looks like he has a pretty good change to make it I would like to keep him in a few more days to cook but look at this.” Tian moved the baby out of the picture showing the mother abdomen circling 3 different spots one being the kidney, another liver.
“all of these need our attention, but here is the bigger issue there a small tear in the amniotic sack she is slowly leaking fluid. The worst part is if there something wrong with the baby I won’t know till he’s out here now.”

Aimee squinted slightly as she looked at the projection. “Kidney is easy, we’ll do that last, liver will be tricky damage is on the anterior side.” She paused. “Computer, show placental blood flow.” The display changed slightly, displaying a red and blue bloodflow, which Aimee expanded and rotated slightly. “Placental bloodflow normal.”

“My baby?” The panicked woman on the biobed spoke quietly, but her voice full of worry. Aimee moved over to her, brushing the hair out of the patient’s eyes and spoke gently, holding her hand. “At the moment he’s fine, looks like the amniotic sac is leaking a bit, looks like he’s going to make an early appearance is all.”

“Will he be okay?”

“At the moment we think so, when he’s out, Doctor Noble will give him a full check over, you are in the very best of hands.”

Aimee smiled again as she watched the woman lie back and shift her weight slightly and relaxed a bit.

It went against her normal nature, but she was aware that this was far more in Noble’s speciality than her own. “You want to lead?”

Tian gave a nod as he flip the image over and over looking for anything that was going to cause them trouble when they got in there.

Aimee turned to the assembled team. “Okay, we’re going into an early C-Section, Doctor Noble will be leading, I’ll be assisting and monitoring obs. Be ready, but don’t crowd.” She turned back to the patient. “Don’t be scared. I’m going to give you a light sedative, and a pain killer. When that’s taken effect we’ll begin. You’re going to feel a lot of pulling and it may feel odd, but won’t hurt.”

She turned back to noble, held out her hands for the nurse to sterilize her hands and glove her and then picked up the hypospray.

“Ready when you are Mr Noble.”

Tian allowed the nurse to glove him picking up the laser scalpel around in his hand looking at the hologram.

Aimee placed the hypospray against the neck of the patient and gave her the shot that would calm her nerves, and then another that would serve as a pain block. She gave it a few seconds, then tested the patient’s pain reflex by gently pricking her toes. Satisfied that the drugs had kicked in, she nodded to Noble.

“Good to go. Patients obs are stable. BP is 125 over 75. O2 saturation stable.”

“Thank you” Tian said then took a deep breath to steady himself. Taking the scalpel Tian made his cut.

“Grab the bleeders that way we don’t make her lose anymore blood then she already is” Tian said looking at Aimee

Aimee nodded, and picked up an autosuture, and began sealing the small bleeds that appeared occasionally.
“Bleeds in hand, we’re good.” She watched as Noble made another, careful incision, “stats stable”

Tian reached in pulling the baby out cutting the cord Tian looked at Aimee turning and motioning for her to take over Tian walked to the incubator laying the child down Tian started cleaning him and giving him pure O2.

“Looks a good size considering.” Aimee began the slow procedure to close up the patient.

“Come on little one” he said talking to the infant forgetting other people where in the room.
“Kid you gotta make a sound.” Tian said again before the baby started crying.
“Keep a close eye on him and let me know if of his stats changes.” Tian said to the nurse before walking back over.

“Okay where are we at here.” Tian asked as he picked up the suction device helping clear the field from blood.

Aimee turned slightly, looking at the scans, “placenta successfully removed, BP dropping though.”

“Why is there so much bleeding?” Tian said as he was trying to find the source.

“Must be a laceration somewhere. Suction.” She pointed to a small tear near the uterine wall. “There. Clamp.”

Tian placed the clamp. “This is a mess what kind of person puts a women into this kind of situation putting her unborn child at risk.” Tian was rambling as he worked filling the silence spaces.

She passed the autosuture over the bleed. “BP restabilizing, beginning to close up the patient now. Computer. Rescan”
Aimee looked as the scan updated. “Okay, one down. Do you want to proceed on the liver and kidney, or keep her on obs and reschedule?” As she spoke, she continued the laborious process of restitching, and regenerating the tissue.

“She’s stable. I don’t want to orphan a child Doctor.” Tian said as he looked at the scan “Bleeding is under control lets close and monitor once we reach the starbase we will reevaluate. If you agree”

“Absolutely,” Aimee agreed, as she continued to close up the patient. “She’s going to be in here a few days with us anyway.” She nodded toward the incubator. “How’s little man? Lungs all good?”

“Yeah, he will need a week or so  in the incubator while I would have liked to have him in there a few more weeks. We are able to control the rest of his development outside. As it is i don’t see any long term issues for him. He was very lucky.”

“I am more relieved we didn’t need to open him up for anything a child his size is hard to operate on.” Tian wasn’t sure why he was giving information that she probably didn’t want or need or worse already knew, but something about being around Aimee maybe him feel at ease like they had been friends forever.

Aimee smiled gently listening to Tian’s reply as she finished closing up the patient. She’d warmed to Tian quickly. Given recent events, she was happier than she’d been in a long while.  “Lucky to have the two best surgeons in the Fleet at his beck and call.” She winked impishly at the new mother.

“My baby?” she spoke quietly, tired.

Aimee smiled warmly, removing her gloves, before washing her hands and then she held the woman’s hand, “Will be fine, he...needs a tiny bit of help for a few days. As do you. Now, we’re keeping you both in here, and Doctor Noble and I will take the greatest care of you two.”

“Can I see…?”

“For a moment yes you both need rest.” Tian said as he walked over and moved the baby over close to his mother. Removing his gloves he opened the small cover and picked the small child up. Placing the child in his mother’s arm.

“Your son is 3lbs and 16.5 inches long do you have a name picked out for him?” Tian asked the women both needing it for the medical log and just wanting to know.

The new mother carefully cradled her newborn, the look on her face a mixture of profound love, and sheer terror.
“I thought I had a little more time to consider it.” She looked up to the tall, dark haired female Doctor, who’s eyes were welling up even as hers were. “What’s his name?” She asked, meaning Dr Noble.

Aimee felt her heart jump. “Tian” She answered quietly, another tear escaping, as she watched mother and baby.

“Well Tian it is.” She fell silent, smiling to herself.

Tian allowed the mother to hold her child for several minutes it was something he felt every mother deserved no matter the situation.

Aimee stepped away from the bedside, wiping her eyes. “Saved two lives before 0600, a baby named after you. This calls for coffee.”

“And pancakes” Tian added with a small smile “keep an eye on them notify us of any changes” Tian said to the nurse as the two walked out of sickbay and on towards the mess hall.

As the two walked Tian looked at Bracken “Lieutenant when we get to the starbase what are your plans? What is your current assignment?” Tian felt like he might of been pushing his luck a little but he also didn’t want to let such a gifted surgeon pass by without at least trying to get her on his team.

Aimee paused very slightly, wondering how much to tell him. She didn’t want to bring his mood down any, but then figure he’d asked so...
“I’m currently on leave of absence, I was sent to Dureth to poke about a bit. My family has a bit of history, gran was Special Ops, my name came up to help Intel poke about. Now? Not sure. I don’t want to go back to SFMHQ. I can’t abide all those wannabe’s who have only ever flown a desk.” She stopped, “Sorry, I’m ranting”

A smile crossed Tian face he probably looked like some crazy person grinning like he was. “So probably not in my power, but stay be apart of my team i need an ACMO i know it’s not much but it’s better than any desk job. As far as SFMHQ is concerned I’ll call in a favor or two i’m sure I can a contact that could make it happen.” Tian wondered if he sounded bragy in that last statement she probably had more contacts then he did.

She smiled again, she knew that she could walk into any job in Fleet Medical, but she loved being a ship’s Doctor. It was what her friends at the Academy had always teased her about the most. She loved mornings like the one that she and Tian had just shared, and in a big hospital everything was so much more sterile, and professional.

“You should know I’m a real grouch until the morning coffee has kicked in, I have a tendency to speak my mind, and … you’ve got yourself an ACMO.” She winked at him. “Have your people call my people.”

Tian motioned towards the doors of  ten forward as they reached them and followed her inside. The two sit at a table and a waitress come over. “We want two REALLY big cups of coffee and two REALLY big stacks of pancakes.” He was completely aware he sounded like a five year old who mom was letting him order his own food for the first time but he really didn’t care. “Oh and cream and sugar for the table” he knew how he like his coffee but wasn’t sure about Bracken.


“Oh oh and bacon we gotta have bacon right?” Tian was starving he didn’t really care what they had he just wanted coffee, food, and to know more about the women sitting in front of him.

“So you said your gran was starfleet do you have more family in the fleet?” Tian asked trying to see how much he could get her to open up.

The question, she knew, was asked out of interest, but she felt her heart sadden nonetheless. She ignored the feeling, not wanting to spoil Tian’s good mood.

“Gran was a Marine, a good one. Transferred to SpecOps and did...I’m not sure you or I will ever have clearance to learn what.” The coffee had arrived, as ordered, two huge mugs, she picked hers up, and took a sip, preferring it black, then rested the cup in her lap.
Aimee paused, but felt that the moment was right to open up a bit to someone, Tian’s professional bedside manner soothed her slightly, and she spoke slowly.“Mum was a Captain. A Science Officer originally. She died three months ago.”

Tian picked up his cup as they arrived listening to Amiee he noticed the use of the word was happened a lot he felt bad now for asking. “I’m sorry for your loss.” Tian said knowing himself losing a parent wasn’t easy at all. Tian sipped on his coffee letting the rich goodness warm his body. Wanting to bring the conversation back to something happy Tian thought about his next question for a moment before asking. “Is there a Mr. Bracken?” Tian asked hoping this question didn’t end like the last.

Aimee smiled, genuinely unsure how to answer. Tian was being so pleasant, she genuinely didn’t have the heart to go into it properly. “At the moment no. There was someone, someone I loved deeply, but, things happened, and it didn’t work. I made a lot of mistakes, wasn’t the nicest of people toward the end, but in my defence…” She caught herself. “I’ll not bore you. You? You have a partner somewhere?”

Tian choked on his coffee he wasn’t sure why he didn’t expect the same question he was being asked to come back at him. “Umm no.. there isn’t anyone not anymore not for a long time.” Tian hadn’t thought about dating or anyone from his past since his academy days. He always seem to keep busy and not get to personal with people on the ship.
“Unless you count my work then i’m married to that for sure” Tian said with a small laugh.

Aimee nodded, recognising the sentiment, she was glad he’d stressed not getting personal with ship mates, friends she needed, especially now, but dating, she really wasn’t in to that at the moment. “Yeah I can relate to that. Especially when we have moments like we did just. When everything goes right, even in the darkest moment, we caught everything just early enough.” She spied the waitress once more, this time with two plates of pancakes and bacon.

“Lets eat.”

“Yes!” Tian said he was right back to his happy five year old self. Picking up the syrup he poured a good amount on his pancakes before digging in.

The two had a long day ahead of them and it started early they would arrive at the starbase soon. Tian was sure they would be debriefings for everyone they would need to transfer all of the hostages into the care of the stations medbay before they got their next assignment.

(reply none)
(posted by Mark./Richard)

(USS Sandog – Holodeck 1 – Intel Combat Spec - MSgt Keats  – 0500)



Sara had risen early. Today she had designated a late start due to their
looming arrival at the nearest starbase. Hard as she was, she wasn’t
absolutely heartless.

She stepped into the program, the only one that she allowed herself, the
one that kept her going, the one thing that she held against herself to
provide a means to better that which she had been.



[Holodeck – enter program]



She opened her eyes against the driving rain, and then really wished she
hadn’t. She remembered, as she always remembered, that night, the night
that she escaped. The only refuge was a simple shack in a small amount of
other similar buildings in the middle of the wastes. The wastes were where
normal, decent people never trod, never



During the few happy times, occasionally her father would point to the
weather and say obvious things that made her laugh.

‘Hades child, it’s raining upwards out there.’ This was the kind of rain
that hit the floor, and got you twice as wet when it bounced off the
pavement and rebounded.

The ramshasckled hut served as a house for the three of them was, as, at
best, in total squalor. Even as she endured every day of the living hell
she wondered how in this day and age was it possible, what few friends she
had at school lived in nice apartments in the better parts of town. She was
sick of the looks that she got when she visited, a mixture of pity and
suspicion, it hadn’t been easy for 14 year old Sara to endure.



If there had been a moment in her life that had been the most pivotal, the
one moment that had without shadow of a doubt changed her life, and
ultimately made her the woman that she was it was this night.

That night, this night, she’d been late, pickings had been slim, and so
she’d known that the punishment would be severe. She reached the door, and
pushed it open. It had never been locked.

The inside of the shack had been much like the outside, Sara watched as the
14 year old version of herself crossed the room to accept the inevitable.

~had I really been that tiny? That scrawny and underfed?~ She always had
the same thought when she came into this program.



The punishment had indeed been severe, and something inside of Sara had
broken, not physically, thankfully not this time, but metaphorically. She
winced, and got up, her parents had left her and gone to their own room.
Sara watched her younger self slowly gather what little possessions she was
able to fit into the small bag that she’d scavenged a few days ago.

She watched her younger self pull the coat on, the only new thing that
she’d ever had, later on, she’d find out how useless it was in the rain,
but young Sara was happy and determined for the first time in her life. She
slipped on her shoes and left, walking out into the torrential rain. Vowing
never to come back to this place again.

Sara’s emotion cracked as she watched, the loneliness that she felt, the
bitterness that had never gone away even when she found a home in the
Corps, erupted from her as it often did when she watched this.

She knew that she shouldn’t keep reliving it, but she held it up as a
warning to herself to never stop pushing, to never stop trying to be the
best at what she did.



She’d lived the other life, and was determined not to ever allow that to
happen to her again.



(Reply none)

(Posted by Mark)

(USS Paladin – Marine NCO Office – Smaj Sara Keats - 0700)



Sara stepped into the office where some of the senior NCO’s sometimes
gathered, if she thought about it, she’d have said that she was in full
Sergeant mode. One or two of them looked sheepish but she ignored them,
seeking out one person in particular.



“Gunnery Sergeant Johnston, funeral is early this afternoon, form a small
colour party please, those that have impressed you the most recently. Full
dress uniform across the board,”



(Reply Johnston)



Sara nodded. “Excellent suggestion, have them make themselves ready.” She
turned to the room. “Gunney and I will be doing a full inspection at 1130.
Be ready.”



(Reply Johnston)

(posted by Mark)

(USS Paladin – Marine NCO Office – Com Spec -Gsgt Allison Johnston - 0703)



Allison was happy to be back on the Paladin. Happy to be back with her squad all this mess with the sandog and Hunter was stressful and to be without her full squad she wasn’t ready for it. Allison removed the small pin that was holding her hair into a bun letting it fall. When she heard a voice.



“Gunnery Sergeant Johnston, funeral is early this afternoon, form a small
colour party please, those that have impressed you the most recently. Full
dress uniform across the board,”


Allison Jumped and shot to attention her hair falling the rest of the way. “aye ma’am Reed, Tucker, T’paul and O’Conner .” Allison muttered off these officers where the ones she trusted the most



Sara nodded. “Excellent suggestion, have them make themselves ready.” She
turned to the room. “Gunney and I will be doing a full inspection at 1130.
Be ready.”


Allison started twisting her hair back into a bun five minutes is all she wanted
“got busted” Tucker whispered in Allison ear. Allison took her elbow and smack in right in the stomach.  “Find the others and get prepaird” Allison hissed as she took her place to Keats right as she should looking at the other officers.

“Its good to be home isn’t it” Allison said trying to make small talk with her superior officer.

(reply Keats)
(posted by Richard)

(USS Paladin – Marine NCO Office – Combat intel Spec -  MSgt Sara Keats - 0704)


Allison started twisting her hair back into a bun before falling in next to
her. Sara had pretended not to hear the interchange between Johnston and
Tucker.

“Its good to be home isn’t it” Allison said trying to make small talk with
her superior officer.

“Closest thing to it that I’ve ever had.” Sara replied, a rare slip. This
morning’s memories had affected her more than she’d care to admit.

“Can I ask something of you Allison?” She purposely dropped rank and
surname.



(Reply Johnston)



“Aside from myself, you’re the most senior Marine NCO on the ship. Please
stop jumping to attention whenever I speak to you, I’m not a Colonel.” She
paused, unsure about the next sentence. “You’re the closest thing to a
friend I have here.”



(reply Johnston)
(Posted by Mark)

(USS Paladin – Marine NCO Office – Comm Spec - GSgt Allison Johnston - 0706)


“Can I ask something of you Allison?” She purposely dropped rank and
surname.


“yes of course” Allison said and was for sure the next words were going to be something about her hair.



“Aside from myself, you’re the most senior Marine NCO on the ship. Please
stop jumping to attention whenever I speak to you, I’m not a Colonel.” She
paused, unsure about the next sentence. “You’re the closest thing to a
friend I have here.”


Allison felt a bit of guilt hit her. She wasn’t sure when it happened, but she did see Sara as a friend. She just didn’t know the feeling returned.
“ I hope you know that its all out of respect.” Allison said trying to explain her actions.
(reply Keats)
“Umm say Sarg..or ummm ma’ ummm Sara how would you like to get a drink later tonight the base has an amazing club.”
(reply Keats)
(posted by Richard)

(USS Paladin – Marine NCO Office – combat intel spec - MSgt Sara Keats - 0708)


“ I hope you know that its all out of respect.” Allison said trying
to explain her actions. Sara took her words as honest, it seemed a far cry
to how things had been a while ago.


Sara nodded, “I know, but calm down. Call me Sara, at least when it’s just
us. That’ll blow everyone’s minds” She was out of her depth a bit, the
nerves of talking to someone not about work taking their toll.


“Umm say Sarg..or ummm ma’ ummm Sara how would you like to get a
drink later tonight the base has an amazing club.”

Sara smiled again, an unfamiliar feeling, “That would be nice. I look
forward to it.” She stepped away, but turned slightly, smiling again, “You
should let your hair down for 5, then get yourself ready. You’re going to
be busy leading the honour guard at the funeral.” Sara knew that she could
have pulled rank and done it herself, but something in her softened
slightly. She started walking don the corridor, "See you just shy of 1130.
I have a dress uniform to prepare."

(Reply none necessary)
(posted by Mark)

(Starbase Geneva - Admirals Ready Room - Admiral Emmie Green - 1120)

Chris walked into the large plush room, he looked around unsure really what
to expect. Looking up across the wall he made a mental note of all of the
awards and the few busts of Starships. 

Lost deep in the moment looking at a series of medical books, he missed the
quiet footsteps glide across the carpet. 

"My Grandfather wrote most of those, the rest happened to be my Mother."
Chris shot to attention almost pulling the books off the shelf.

"Sorry ma'am I didn't hear you." 

"Not to worry Commander, I find medical history incredibly tedious myself.
Drink?" Admiral Green asked. Her short petit frame was shadowed by Chris,
but there was something both comforting and familiar about her. Tracing her
face in his mind Chris couldn't work it out. 

"Yes please." Chris said putting the familiarity to rest and trying to
understand why he was here. 

Emmie motioned to the seats in the far side of the room, Infront sat a
small table with a coffee and tea pot, two cups and milk.

"Sit down Commander, I'll pour, tea or coffee?" Emmie said sitting down and
allowing Chris to get comfortable before she continued.

"Coffee please Admiral's Chris said sliding into the soft. 

"You've had quiet an interesting mission so I hear, intelligence has been
unable to trace Hunter, but his coconspirators within Starfleet have been
detained and questioned, including Admiral Voq. That caused a stir ill tell
you." Emmie took a sip of her tea and allowed Chris a moment to drink the
coffee. 

"I'm just sorry Clark got away" Chris said trying to hide the anger.

"A document has been field with Intelligence to continue hunting, but you
can rest assured no stone will be left unturned. However, be proud of what
you achieved the Paladin managed to save more than any ship ever could
have. Take comfort in that." Emmie watched as Chris was clearly annoyed 

"All that said, I have some news for you. You're being transferred to the
USS Hades; I believe you know the ship?" Emmie asked taking another sip.

"Distantly, she was commissioned just as I joined the programme. I didn't
do much more than rubber-stamp her." Chris knew everyship he had a hand in
whilst at the dockyards.

"Whose to be the Captain?" He asked casually 

"You are" Eemmie said smiling 

Almost spitting out his coffee Chris tried to regain his composure.

"Your actions over the last several missions have not gone un-noticed. Time
travel, first contact, saving those lives - I couldn't think of anyone more
suited." Emmie said standing and walking to her desk, she picked up the
small wooden box. 

~those lives, I lost one more than I needed to~ Chris thought has he
watched Emmie open the lid.

"Lt Cmdr Christopher Gibbs, I hearby promote you to the rank of Captain,
with all the rights and privileges therein. You are transferred with your
crew to the USS Hades with immediate effect. Congratulations Captain" Emmie
changed the pips over, stood back and shook his hand. 

"Thank you ma'am" Chris tried to get out the words but they stuck. 

"I understand youve picked up a few stragglers in your last mission" Emmie
asked sitting down and pouring a fresh cup 

"Yes, the crews ex FO and his ex girlfriend it would seem." Chris said
rolling his eyes.

"How is my son?" Emmie asked trying hard to hide the smile.

Chris' eyes widened as the words sunk in "son?"

"Relax Captain, Mil is my son. He's being transferred to you to support the
return to the Hades and for the next few mission, as always it would appear
he is in-between jobs. Take care of Aimee, she's special; not had an easy
life though." Emmie said laughing a little.

"Well that makes a bit more sense" Chris' said 

Emmie finished the conversation and allowed Chris to return to the Paladin
before moving across to the Hades. 

(Reply none)
(Posted by Mat)

(USS Paladin - Ready Room - CO - CPT Chris Gibbs - 1300)

Chris stood in what used to be Eva's ready room. He tugged at his collar,
the dress uniforms had always been odd, he had never really understood
Starfleets need to cut into its officers chins. Attaching his combadge he
looked in the mirror, the white chest piece made a difference to the whole
uniform, this journey had been a strange and short one 

"Ready or not you have important things to do." Chris said out loud as he
waited. The doors chummed and in walked Lt Noble.

Chris looked at the young man, no doubt either of them expected the next
set of questions. 

(Reply Noble)

"Dr, take a seat." Chris pointed to the sofa laughing internally at the
mirror effects of the meeting with Admiral Green

"Lt, I'm going to just come out with this, today will be hard enough with
the Funeral later. I've just come from a meeting with Admiral Green in
short I've been promoted and that promotion leaves me needing a First
Officer, a position I would like you to fill" Chris just stood not really
knowing what else to say. 

(Reply Noble)
(Posted by Mat,)

(USS Geneva - Temporary Quarters - ACEO  Commander Steven Matrix - 10.00)

Steve had spent the last several weeks coming to grips with the fact that he couldn't leave Star Fleet. He wouldn't let the bastards win...he wouldn't let Sloan win.

The last mission ended as well as it could, but he'd taken another arrow for the Federation. He was essentially stripped of his command both as the Templar's captain and the dubious, albeit temporary sector admiral. He never understood or agreed with lofty field promotions...even for mission sake.

Their work did avert a major conflict with the Cardassians by exposing several high ranking council and military leaders plans to invade Bajor. As a token of good will the official Cardassian government agreed to hand over the rouge council members to the Bajoran consulate. Cardassia would handle the military collaborators. Everyone knew what that meant.

As for the Templar she was pulled out of service to be refitted for some other duty in the near future or so he was told.

Matrix's next assignment would hopefully keep him out of trouble. Admiral Callahan approved his reinstatement and reassignment and allowed him to report to the Hades once she was ready. It wasn't a flashy center seat assignment, but it would bring him back to his roots and something he was good at and enjoyed. Engineering.

~Assistant Chief Engineer~ he noted on the green PADD. ~Well...no command pressure.~ he thought. ~Now who do I report to?~

(Reply none)
(Posted by Steve)


(USS Paladin - Ready Room - CMO – LT Tian Noble - 1302)

Chris looked at the young man, no doubt either of them expected the next
set of questions.

The day started early for Tian he wanted to take a nap he needed a nap, and now he had been summoned to the captain ready room. He had thought back to the mission and the people they didn’t get of the station it was a lot for him to accept. Yet he had made it out just fine. He assisted with the new joining for Alyl. He also managed to change into his formal uniform while he like the white the grey chest piece looked a bit tacky.

"Dr, take a seat." Chris pointed to the sofa laughing internally at the
mirror effects of the meeting with Admiral Green

"Lt, I'm going to just come out with this, today will be hard enough with."
the Funeral later. I've just come from a meeting with Admiral Green in
short I've been promoted and that promotion leaves me needing a First
Officer, a position I would like you to fill" Chris just stood not really
knowing what else to say.

Tian was stunned for a moment he had no idea what to say he really didn’t have the tactical experience. He was good under pressure, but would that be enough. Tian finally stood up now just staring at his new captain he never really liked Chris he respected him, but Tian never gave him a real chance he was bitter about Mil leaving and Chris was the guy who took his friends and mentor spot. It was time he finally pushed those feelings aside and stop judging him for things he had no control over.

(reply Gibbs IYW)

“It would be my honor and pleasure to be your First Officer Captain” Tian finally said after deciding he had kept the man waiting long enough.

"Oh and congratulation on the promotions the Paladin is getting a great Captain."

(reply Gibbs)
(posted by Richard)

(USS Paladin - Ready Room - CO – CPT Chris Gibbs - 1304)

Chris stood waiting for Tain to say something. "Lt, not to rush you" 

“It would be my honor and pleasure to be your First Officer Captain

Oh and congratulation on the promotions the Paladin is getting a great
Captain." Tain finally said. 

"I certainly hope your decision making in the real world is much quicker
than today." Chris sat.

"I'm not sure who the Paladin is getting as a Captain, we're being
reassigned to the Hades. Pick her up tomorrow." 

(Reply Noble)

"Now, I can't have a Lt as my first officer, nor can I have my CMO as my
first officer." 

Chris leant to the tray and picked up the wooden box. 

"My apologies for doing this in the quietness of the ready room, but today
isn't about us. Stand." Chris said also standing 

"Lt Tain Noble, I hearby promote you to the rank of Lt.Comdr with the
rights and privileges therein. Congratulations Commander." Chris finsihes
by adding the third pip to the mans uniform. Then shook his hand. 

"So" he said sitting down again "we need a CMO, suggestions?" 

(Reply Noble)

(Posted by Mat)


(USS Paladin - Ready Room - FO –LT CMDR Tian Noble - 1306)

"I'm not sure who the Paladin is getting as a Captain, we're being
reassigned to the Hades. Pick her up tomorrow."

“Hades I’ve read about her that’s amazing” Tian said rubbing the back of his head a bit embarrassed.

"Now, I can't have a Lt as my first officer, nor can I have my CMO as my
first officer."

"Lt Tain Noble, I hearby promote you to the rank of Lt.Comdr with the
rights and privileges therein. Congratulations Commander." Chris finsihes
by adding the third pip to the mans uniform. Then shook his hand.

"So" he said sitting down again "we need a CMO, suggestions?"

“Thank you sir” Tian said as he took a seat and thought for a moment he didn’t have an assistant department head under him he thought back to the early hours of the mornings and everything that had happened before they got to the starbase.

“I’m not sure of Dr Bracken current assignment but I’m going to recommend her. Not only does her reputation in the medical community speak for itself she a very good surgeon and would make a fine addition to the crew.” Tian said still feeling a bit weird about picking the person to replace him.

(reply Gibbs)
(posted by Richard)
(USS Paladin - Ready Room - CO–CPT Chris Gibbs - 1308)

“Thank you sirI, ’m not sure of Dr Bracken current assignment but I’m
going to recommend her. Not only does her reputation in the medical
community speak for itself she a very good surgeon and would make a fine
addition to the crew.” Tain said clearly uneasy about something.

"Funny you should suggest her, she comes highly recommended by Admiral
Green; she's already been added to the crew manifest, it would appear her
and the Admiral have some history.

(Reply Noble)

"We'll speak to her this afternoon first we have to attend to Mr Alyls
funeral. And you need to get chnaged." Chris pulled out a small package
from under his desk. 

"I took the liberty of replicating the correct dress uniform for you. I'll
wait for you on the bridge then we can head down to the holodeck together."
Chris said placing the package down smiling and leaving Tain to get sorted.


(USS Paladin - Bridge - CO–CPT Chris Gibbs - 1315)

As the doors opened Chris watched his new FO walk across the room, they
headed together into the turbo lift.

(USS Paladin - Turbo lift - CO–CPT Chris Gibbs - 131?

"Holodecks" Chris ordered as the doors closed. 

"Tain, it would also appear that the crews ex FO has been reassigned to the
Hades for a short while, Commander Nicolae, do you know much about him? 

(Reply Noble)

(Posted by Mat)

(USS Paladin - Ready Room - FO–LT Cmdr Tian Noble - 1309)

"Funny you should suggest her, she comes highly recommended by Admiral
Green; she's already been added to the crew manifest, it would appear her
and the Admiral have some history.

“of course they do.” Tian thought back to the conversation they had early that morning and wondered if he would ever have those kinds of connections in starfleet.

"I took the liberty of replicating the correct dress uniform for you. I'll
wait for you on the bridge then we can head down to the holodeck together."
Chris said placing the package down smiling and leaving Tain to get sorted.
Tian almost objected but noticing that the blue that marked him as a medical officer was now incorrect. Tian opened the open looking at the uniform that had red where he current blue was. Tian quickly changed looking in the mirror “Well Doc… Commander…” Tian corrected himself before walking out to join Gibbs on the Bridge.

(USS Paladin - Turbo lift - FO–LT Cmdr Tian Noble – 1318)

"Tain, it would also appear that the crews ex FO has been reassigned to the
Hades for a short while, Commander Nicolae, do you know much about him?

“Commander Nicolae was my mentor before he was my first Officer. He is an exoccipital. He did leave for that desk job at STFMHQ not one of finer moments but having his experience around will be a good thing.” Tian felt like he was tripping over his own words he didn’t know how he felt about all this yet.
“is there something you wanted to know specifically about him?” Tian decided that was probably the best way to go about this conversation.

(reply Gibbs)
(posted by Richard)

(USS Paladin - Turbolit - CO– Captain Chris Gibbs– 1320)

“Commander Nicolae was my mentor before he was my first Officer. He is an
exoccipital. He did leave for that desk job at STFMHQ not one of finer
moments but having his experience around will be a good thing, is there
something you wanted to know specifically about him?" Tain finished 

Chris looked at him, he wasn't really sure what he was asking "I'm just
wondering if he's trouble." Chris answerd as the doors opened. 

Chris spotted the marines lining the corridor and into the holodeck, a lump
formed in his throat; Chris had welcomed Jayton onto the Granicus he had
accepted him from the Academy and now, he said goodbye. 

"We will talk about this later." Chris said taking the long walk down the
lines.

USS Paladin - Holodeck- CO– Captain Chris Gibbs– 1322)

Walking into the Holodeck he looked around as a Marine called to attention
"Captain on Deck" 

Chris knodded and walked along the short path, a simple arboretum had been
chosen, the wind gently swayed the flags that had been set up the room fell
to a low murmer and Chris heard the faint singing of birds. Arriving at the
podium he noted the senior staff with a few new additions.

"It is often the duty of a Captain to oversee moments of celebration and
then of sadness, I never knew it would come so soon. We are here together
to honour our friend and comrade, Lt Jayton Alyla. Coming to terms with the
loss of a colleague is perhaps the most difficult tasks we must face in the
work we have chosen to pursue. We will all find time to grieve for him in
the days that are ahead." 

Chris paused and looked at Addison 

"He was many things to us, a leader, a friend and confidante. But above
all, he was and is a Starfleet Officer. He served us and the uniform well,
making the ultimate sacrifice, in the eyes of such cowadice, to save his
friends, family and crew mates. That sacrifice must not and will not ever
be forgotten. In that line, Lt Jayton Alyl is hereby posthumously awarded
the Medal of Honour for services to his crew." 

Chris took a moment and sipped at the water that had been placed for him.

"As a crew, as a group of friends we must take comfort and warmth in the
knowledge that whilst Jaytons body will forever circle the stars, his
memories will live on in a new host, continuing to strive to reach the
ultimate destination. He will forever watch over us and forever boldly go."


Chris moved to the side and down to the torpedo casing in which Jayton was
laying. 

"Attention on deck!" He called nodding to the honour guard and who sounded
the boatswain.

"You will be avenged" Chris said quietly as the photon was beamed into
space. 

(Reply any, all)

(Posted by Mat)

USS Paladin - Holodeck- Councilor– Ens Addison MacCaulay– 1330)

Addison had been crying none stop since she walked into the holodeck. Placing a hand on her stomach she couldn’t help but feel sadness that her child would never know its father. Taking her place in the line up with the other officers and her friends new and old alike she watched as the command team entered the room.Addison listened and watched as Gibbs gave a beautiful speech.
Addison knew deep down that none of this would bring him back none of this would ever make it okay again. She also knew that she probably needed to resign from her post, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it not yet. She needed and wanted to be around her friends. Addison watched as the next few things happened.

"Attention on deck!" He called nodding to the honour guard and who sounded
the boatswain.

"You will be avenged" Chris said quietly as the photon was beamed into
space.
Addison knew as the her best firend and lovers body was beamed into space it was the last time she would see him. Turning to Adrian who she happened to be standing beside the buried her face into his chest. She couldn’t take anymore. She wanted to leave wanted off this ship.

(reply Lanney, any)
(posted by Richard)

Mission Filler of timeDay 5Stardate  2418  12.20

(USS Paladin - Holodeck - CSEC  LT(SG)  Detron Trei - 13.40)
He stepped up to the glass looking over the beam of light in space that was Jayton Alyl.  He prepared to perform the Klingon Death Ritual which involves roaring strongly as a warning to the heavens that a warrior is about to enter.  He paused a moment to build the suspense even though it was not needed.  The suspense will be plenty when he performs the ritual.  He began the ritual.
"I am now going to perform the Klingon Death Ritual so prepare yourselves.  Jayton Alyl was a fine honorable man to work with.  For this I will honor him.  I now warn the heavens that a warrior is about to enter.  RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR."
He left the glass and returned to the crowd.  He saw it moved Keats.  That pleased him.
(Reply any)
(Posted by Edward)

(USS Paladin - Holodeck - ACSO Ensign (sg) Adrian Lanney - 13.41)

Adrian stood with the other senior officers on the holodeck as the funeral
commenced.

"It is often the duty of a Captain to oversee moments of celebration and
then of sadness, I never knew it would come so soon. We are here together
to honour our friend and comrade, Lt Jayton Alyl. Coming to terms with the
loss of a colleague is perhaps the most difficult tasks we must face in the
work we have chosen to pursue. We will all find time to grieve for him in
the days that are ahead."

Chris paused and looked at Addison

"He was many things to us, a leader, a friend and confidante. But above
all, he was and is a Starfleet Officer. He served us and the uniform well,
making the ultimate sacrifice, in the eyes of such cowadice, to save his
friends, family and crew mates. That sacrifice must not and will not ever
be forgotten. In that line, Lt Jayton Alyl is hereby posthumously awarded
the Medal of Honour for services to his crew."

Chris took a moment and sipped at the water that had been placed for him.

"As a crew, as a group of friends we must take comfort and warmth in the
knowledge that whilst Jaytons body will forever circle the stars, his
memories will live on in a new host, continuing to strive to reach the
ultimate destination. He will forever watch over us and forever boldly go."

Chris moved to the side and down to the torpedo casing in which Jayton was
laying.

"Attention on deck!" He called nodding to the honour guard and who sounded
the boatswain.

"You will be avenged" Chris said quietly as the photon was beamed into
space.

Adrian saw movement in the corner of his eye as addison turned and buried
her face into his chest. He put an arm around her shoulders as a tear
rolled down the side of his face. He silently vowed that he would be there
when Alyl was avenged.

He watched as Trei went up to the podium and spoke with Chris briefly
before giving a klingon death ritual .

After the ceremony was over he spoke to Addison

"Do you need anything? I can try to get you in touch with his family if you
want?"

(Reply Addison)

(USS Paladin - Holodeck – Chief Councilor Ensign (sg) Addison MacCaulay - 13.44)

"Do you need anything? I can try to get you in touch with his family if you want?"

Addison realized that she never got to meet his family not in person anyways how was she going to tell his mother that her son was gone. 

It was forbidden for the new host to make contact with any of jayton loved ones.

“No I’m okay thank you Adrian” Addison said between sobs Addison straightened up as the ceremony ended. Addison held the flag the honor guard gave her it was the last thing she had and something her unborn child would see to know it’s father was died as a hero. 

(Reply none)
(Posted by Richard)

(Posted by Adrian)

(USS Paladin – personal Quarters - Comm Spec - Gsgt Allison Johnston ,2000)

Allison slipped in her silk floor length backless black dress it formed her body perfectly. Her hair hang loose down her back to her waist a small necklace her gram gave her around her neck she has spent hours getting ready and she knew she looked perfect. She only needed one more thing and she already decided she wasn’t taking no for an answer.

“Johnston to Keats I’m on my way you best be ready.” 

(Reply Keats)

Allison slipped in her shores adding a few inches to her height she took one last look in the mirror. Picking up the extra dress she had out. Having a feeling her friend wouldn’t be dressed for the occasion. She walked out her quarters and down the hall to Keats room. Allison presses the chime and waited for an answer.

(Reply Keats)
(Posted by Richard)
(USS Paladin – Personal Quarters - Comm specialist Gsgt Allison Johnston – 2009) 

“Please tell me you’ve brought something with you that I can borrow.”
 
Allison smiled “guess you know me pretty well after all.” Allison said holding out the dress “this will match your complexion well I believe”. 

(Reply Keats) 

Allison looked around while she Sara to change making some small notes in her head about how she was going to fix her friend. She had been the one of the hardest officers in the marines and it was time she relaxed a little. 

Allison watched.as Sara rejoined her in the room amazed at how well the dress fit her “wow you look amazing, but of course I knew you would.”  Allison smiled and pulled a pair of shoes out of her bag . 
( Reply Keats)




(Starbase Guneva -Restaurant – FO – Lt Cmdr Tian Noble – 2100)

Tian sit at his table the day had seem to drag on forever and he still wasn’t use to the new colors it made him feel awaked and less useful then the blue ever did. Looking at the cuffs of his jacket and the red band around them.

Tian left his food untouched in front of him as he was staring off out a window into the darkness of space. He couldn’t stop is mind the days events had brought back so many memories from his childhood.
His mind wondered back to his younger self standing by his mother as the captain his father severed under talked about what an exoccipital officer he was and how many lives he saved. Feeling his mother hand on his shoulder tears running down her face. Tian knew he had to stay strong for her and couldn’t let himself cry. His father always told him when he left that it was his job to take care of his mother while he was gone.

Those words always made Tian feel so important. He loved those words he only wished the last time wasn’t the last time he heard it.
A few tears ran down his face he was brought back to the station and the restaurant by a set of hand whipping the tears from his face.  Looking up at the elderly woman in Starfleet uniform he was again left speechless.

“Thinking about your father.” the woman said looking at him with her kind eyes.  Tian stood up wrapping his arm around her squeezing her tight.
“what are you doing here?” Tian finally asked.

“Starfleet medical has given me an assignment but that isn’t important right now.” She said cutting off any other questions he could have asked.

Tian knew for a fact that when his mother was assigned to a ship or mission it was never good she would evaluate everyone on that ship and who ever she was assigned to watch and evaluate would see her every day for week till she decided if they where fit for duty. He honestly felt sorry for what ever ship she was about to be assigned to.

Tian pushed it out of his mind he needed to enjoy the time with his mother while it lasted he knew it was only for a few hours before he be on the Hades and dealing with his new responsibilities.

(reply none)
(posted by Richard)

(USS Paladin – Personal Quarters - Combat Intel Msgt Sara Keats – 2005)



=/\=Johnston to Keats I’m on my way you best be ready.=/\=


~Ready?~ She looked at herself in the mirror, and the small pile of clothes
on the bed, none of which she had any recollection getting. ~Not sure these
are even mine, probably came with the room.~



Her heart was a mixture of emotions, thrilled that someone finally thought
of her enough to go out for drinks and fun with, but that was mixed with
fear; Sara was deeply out of her comfort zone. She’d been alone for so long.



“Erm…working on it. I just need to find…Keats out.” She surveyed the room.
No-one had ever come in here before, and the sparseness had never bothered
her until now. Apart from a small pile of discarded clothes on the bed, and
the furniture itself, the room was completely empty. No pictures decorated
the wall, no decoration, no personal touches. She managed to pull back from
the tear again, upset at herself. Allison was trying so hard, she was
determined to let herself, themselves, have some fun.



Her make up done to perfection, and hair tidied so it cascaded in its
natural loose wave framing her face; in her ears, a pair of sapphire
earrings that matched the necklace that she wore, a graduation present to
herself when she finished advanced training.



Sara sadly pulled off the last choice, and dumped it on the small pile,
picking up one of her reserves, a floaty green dress that she usually wore
when she tended the bar at ten-forward.



The doorchime chose that moment to sound, and her heart sank once more.
“Enter” she called out as she held the dress to her front.



The door opened, and Allison entered looking simply amazing. “Wow. You look
gorgeous.” The words utterly bypassed her brain. She knew that on some
level she should be embarrassed by her state of undress, she was more
worried about the numerous old scars all over her back, the ones that were
normally well hidden by uniforms or Training kit.



“I however, am still half naked, and in need of serious help.” She spied
the material draped over Allison’s arm, the most beautiful grey-teal colour.



“Please tell me you’ve brought something with you that I can borrow.”



(Reply Johnston)
(posted by Mark)


(Starbase Guneva -Restaurant – TC – Cmdr Mil Nicolae – 2110)

Mil walked into the restaurant, he had just left his mother's office with
the interesting news he was being transferred to the Hades. A step
backwards ship wise, but one that held some good memories. It had started
his journey into command and lead him into the corridors of Starfleet
Command. 

Looking around he saw a familiar shadow. Ordering his drink he walked
across and sat down. 

"Commander." He said standing over Tain. "Seat taken?"

(Reply Noble)

(Posted by Mat)

(USS Paladin – Personal Quarters – Combat Intel Msgt Sara Keats – 2010)

Allison smiled “guess you know me pretty well after all.” Allison said
holding out the dress “this will match your complexion well I believe”.



Sara felt her heart skip and inhaled slightly as Allison held out the
dress, “Allison, its beautiful. She gratefully took it, and nodded toward
the other small room.

“I’ll be right back” she said as she left her friend in the other room.



Smiling to herself, she carefully pulled on the soft silk. She was thankful
that it had quite a high back, to the base of her shoulder blades, and a
halter neck.



Allison watched as Sara rejoined her in the room amazed at how well the
dress fit her “wow you look amazing, but of course I knew you would.”
 Allison smiled and pulled a pair of shoes out of her bag .



Sara Smiled, genuinely touched at the compliment. “Flattery will get you
everywhere.” She said, taking the matching shoes from Allison.



She slipped them on her feet, a four inch heel that she wasn’t exactly used
to wearing, but she was overjoyed with excitement to be wearing.


(Starbase Guneva -Restaurant – FO– LT Cmdr Tian Noble – 2116)

"I've never really left Medical or Security, just life amongst the stars."

“I guess I forget you have many talents… security, medical, tactical experience. Today been a long day with the funeral, getting the senior staff ready to take over the Hades. I thought 15 hour surgery where rough. Tian said with a smile.”

(reply Nicolae)

“You know I’m a bit jealous you never had to pick your replacement for CMO. Actually you where FO and the medical department ran just fine. Honestly I picked the best surgeon in the fleet probably shouldn’t even complain. She will probably make me look bad within the first week.” Tian laughed a little Amiee was something and someone he already saw as a friend. 

(Reply Nicolae)

Tian listened to Mil and let his mind rest from his past. When the his mother words hit him ‘I have an assignment’ “Mil my mother was here a bit ago do you know her current assignment” Tian had high hopes that with a connection like his mother he would know if the Hades was subject to a counciloring advisor and as far as he knew their current councilor was doing just fine.

(Reply Nicolae) 
(Posted by Richard)

(Starbase Guneva -Restaurant – TC– Cmdr Mil Nicolae – 2118)

“I guess I forget you have many talents… security, medical, tactical
experience. Today been a long day with the funeral, getting the senior
staff ready to take over the Hades. I thought 15 hour surgery where rough.'
Tian said with a smile.

"You'll get used to it, trust me." Mil laughed thinking back to all the
times he wished he never left.

“You know I’m a bit jealous you never had to pick your replacement for
CMO. Actually you where FO and the medical department ran just fine.
Honestly I picked the best surgeon in the fleet probably shouldn’t even
complain. She will probably make me look bad within the first week.” Tian
laughed a little.

Mil went to ask who it was, but felt he didn't need to know, just yet. "I
pulled double shifts, FO and CMO remember, I would have killed to just have
one job. Believe me, you will need to make sure you keep ahead of the game,
properly. From what I hear Chris is not easy to work with and remember, he
hasn't held command much, you need to keep him in line as much as the crew,
if not more. Trust me though, as hard a time as I gave you, you were the
best ACMO I had, believe in your skills." Mil sipped his drink, 

"Remember that time with the EMH, the time we reprogrammed him to shut down
whenever anyone activated it, I hate those things. 
“Mil my mother was here a bit ago do you know her current assignment”
Tain asked clearly needing an answer.

Mil sighed and though for a moment. "If memory serves, she's on the USS
Vanguard, I don't know it's mission, but I know someone who does." He went
to stand when a distant memory hit him, the smell came first followed by
the feelings, he knew exactly who it was before she spoke.

 “Mind if I join you?” She turned to Mil, “If it’s an issue I can
go…” 

Looking at Aimee he longed to leave, the Sandog was different they had a
mission, now they just were there. Grabbing his drink Milk downed a bit to
clear his throat.

"Of course not, sit down. Aimee Bracken, Tain Noble, I'm not sure if you
were properly introduced?" Mil said realizing half way through that
actually the pair clearly knew each other.

(Reply Noble, Bracken, any)

(Posted by Mat)

(Starbase Geneva -Restaurant – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken – 2125)



Aimee stepped into the restaurant, hoping for a quiet drink, and maybe a
small bite of dinner alone. She’d heard a couple of rumours about a change
of ship, but nothing more than that, the news unsettled her, but a change
was as good as a rest she supposed.

            As she ordered and received her drink from the bar, she saw Mil
and Tian at a table on the other side of the room, deep in conversation.
She knew that they would all be shipping out soon, and it could be her last
ever chance of at least trying to clear the air between her and Mil. As
awkward as this was going to be, she at least had to try. Aimee still
deeply loved him, despite what she had done, in her defence there was a lot
going on that Mil simply didn’t know, not that that excused it.

            She slowly walked over, her heart in her stomach, genuinely
nervous, and as she reached the table, spoke to the both of them, her
nerves plain in her voice. She knew that Noble would say yes, the two of
them had hit it off really well. Mil however could be a different story.



“Mind if I join you?” She turned to Mil, “If it’s an issue I can go…”



(Reply Nicholae, Noble)

(Posted by Mark)

(Starbase Geneva -Restaurant – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken – 2126)



Mil looked up at Aimee clearly longing to leave, Grabbing his drink Mil
downed a bit then spoke



"Of course not, sit down. Aimee Bracken, Tian Noble, I'm not sure if you
were properly introduced?"



“We met,” Aimee smiled, “been a long day Tian, good to see you again.” She
turned to Mil, “Prem Emergency C-Section. Tian stepped up to the plate,
he’s an incredibly good surgeon. Mother and baby Tian doing fine.” She
couldn’t resist adding the baby’s name, mainly to tease Noble slightly.”



(Reply Noble, Nicholae)



She was terribly nervous, and knew that it permeated her voice. “Mil, I
have no idea how to go about this. We’re shipping out soon, you’ll be going
to… I don’t know where, but I can’t leave it like this again. Especially
after mum. It was because of that that…”



(reply Nicholae)



(Posted by Mark)

(Starbase Geneva -Restaurant – TC - Cmdr Mil Nicolae – 2127)

“We met, been a long day Tian, good to see you again. Prem Emergency
C-Section. Tian stepped up to the plate, he’s an incredibly good surgeon.
Mother and baby Tian doing fine.”

"Yes of course" Mil felt a little annoyed at the thought of his ex and Tain
working together, they still had a lot of unfinished business  "you could
have called, I am staying on the Starbase."

"Mil, I have no idea how to go about this. We’re shipping out soon,
you’ll be going to… I don’t know where, but I can’t leave it like
this again. Especially after mum. It was because of that that…” Aimee
seemed increasingly nervous.

Mil looked at Tain and then back at Aimee. 

"I'm guessing noone has taken the liberty of telling you. I think we need
some privacy" Mil excused himself and Aimee to a small table in the corner
of the room. He felt bad leaving Tain as they seemed to have a lot to talk
about but Aimee was important.

"Aimee, I'm coming with you, we're both being transferred to the Hades,
it's only temporary for me so you won't have to play nice for too long" Mil
felt the annoyance coming a little, the more he spent in her presence the
more irritated he became. Deep down he loved her dearly, but he went back
into protective mode. This woman made him loose the command he had and
robbed him of the chance of Captains chair. 

(Reply Bracken) 

"Well how do you expect me to react, I take it you're still working for
them!" He said in a quiet shout.

(Reply Bradken, Noble) 
(Posted by Mat)

(Starbase Geneva -Restaurant – ACMO Lt(jg) Aimee Bracken – 2128)

"I'm guessing noone has taken the liberty of telling you. I think we need
some privacy" Mil excused himself and Aimee to a small table in the corner
of the room. Once they’d sat down Mil spoke to her.



"Aimee, I'm coming with you, we're both being transferred to the Hades,
it's only temporary for me so you won't have to play nice for too long" Mil
felt the annoyance coming a little, the more he spent in her presence the
more irritated he became. Deep down he loved her dearly, but he went back
into protective mode. This woman made him loose the command he had and
robbed him of the chance of Captains chair.



Aimee felt her heart die. The venom in his voice was palpable. She had a
few moments of bitter sadness, then the Bracken temper reared its head. She
would admit that she had made some awful decisions, but this? She could
feel her blood boil, and it quenched the love that she did feel for him.



“There is no need for that tone of voice Mil.” Her voice was quiet, a
whisper almost. But there should have been no mistaking her tone.





"Well how do you expect me to react, I take it you're still working for
them!" He said in a quiet shout.



Something inside her snapped, the beast had been awoken, and Aimee wasn’t
certain that she could contain it this time. Too much had happened in the
last couple of weeks.



“How dare you.” Her voice was a deadly whisper, her tone and body language
was furious. “I made a mistake, I will give you that, and for that I will
spend the rest of my life apologising; but don’t you dare think that
because of that you have carte blanche permission to criticise every
decision I make. You throw it into my face that I didn’t come running to
see you? How many times did you contact me to see how my mother, your ex CO
died?”

(Reply Mil)

She didn’t give him a chance to speak, she carried on, but the anger in her
had waned slightly. I went to intel because they did the damage in the
first place. I saw the files Mil. She was targeted years ago. But you had
to assume that I was into something shady, and I’ll not lie, back on the
station I enjoyed it, because someone needed me, for the first time in
months I could keep someone alive.” Her will had evaporated, tears ran down
her face openly. “You remember what she was like Mil, how full of life?”

(Reply Mil)

“Slowly, and traumatically. Hypercerebrocortical Nectrotic Syndrome.
Basically the brain starts dying, higher order functions first, eventually
the brain can’t keep the body alive. I watched her descend from the woman
she was, Captain, Doctor of Physics…mum. I watched her descend to the
capabilities of the average 4 year old. She died in my arms. So yes, I went
to intel to try and help her, and they wanted something back. Me on
Dureth.” She paused for breath. She’d said a lot more than she intended,
and a few people had become aware of the obvious, but silent argument.
“I’ve got to go. Hades was a cheap shot Mil.” She stood up, tears running
down her face.

“I’m sorry.”

She turned and fled, her face enflamed with embarrassment, half strode,
half ran out of the restaurant, and into the evening. Uncertain of her
destination.

(Reply Mil)
(Posted by Mark)

Day 5
Stardate 2418  12.20

(Starbase Geneva -Restaurant – TC Cmdr Mil Nicolae – 2129)

“There is no need for that tone of voice Mil.” Her voice was quiet, a
whisper almost. But there should have been no mistaking her tone.

"Well how do you expect me to react, I take it you're still working for
them!" He said in a quiet shout.

“How dare you.” Her voice was a deadly whisper, her tone and body
language was furious. “I made a mistake, I will give you that, and for
that I will spend the rest of my life apologising; but don’t you dare
think that because of that you have carte blanche permission to criticise
every decision I make. You throw it into my face that I didn’t come
running to see you? How many times did you contact me to see how my mother,
your ex CO died?”

Mil went to reply he felt bad now, Dale had been on hand most of the time
he had served on the Hades and the three had gotten close, he remembered
getting the report about her at Starfleet Medical, but his work meant he
couldn't respond; in reality he had made excuses not to respond, he didn't
know how to talk to Aimee. 

"I went to intel because they did the damage in the first place. I saw the
files Mil. She was targeted years ago. But you had to assume that I was
into something shady, and I’ll not lie, back on the station I enjoyed it,
because someone needed me, for the first time in months I could keep
someone alive. You remember what she was like Mil, how full of life?”
Aimee finished. 

Mil looked at his former lover, the pair of them seemed to be at each other
years of hurt poring out. Changing tact Mil stopped his snap reaction.

"How did it happen?" He said quietly like a scorned child. 

“Slowly, and traumatically. Hypercerebrocortical Nectrotic Syndrome.
Basically the brain starts dying, higher order functions first, eventually
the brain can’t keep the body alive. I watched her descend from the woman
she was, Captain, Doctor of Physics…mum. I watched her descend to the
capabilities of the average 4 year old. She died in my arms. So yes, I went
to intel to try and help her, and they wanted something back. Me on
Dureth.....I’ve got to go. Hades was a cheap shot Mil.” She stood up,
tears running down her face.

“I’m sorry.” Aimee said standing and rushing out. 

Mil went to go after her "Aimee wait!" He called out but she had gone.
Unsure what to do Mil spun around, things had taken many turns the last few
months and Mil really didn't know what to do. Tapping his badge he spoke in
a quiet tone "I'm coming to see you" he closed the channel and left,
knowing exactly where he was headed. 

(Reply any,)

(Posted by Mat)

(SB Geneva– Station Club/bar- Comm specialist Gsgt Allison Johnston – 2030) 

The two walked into the bar Allison half pulling Sara. “Come on” she said as she pulled them into a booth the two hadn’t even had a chance to order Franks before two bajorin males set in front of them. Allison this was something she expected but she knew it would probably end up making Sara comfortab.

“Hello ladies” one of them spoke Allison eyes him 

“Listen first off you you need to go to the bar and send us drinks.” Allison was using her sweet voice the ones she used with the new marines before they messed up one of her line ups. 

“Then if we decided we will invite you after the appropriate amount of drink that are supplied. Allison watches as both males get up and leave both with a confused look on their face. 

(Reply Keats)
(Posted Richard) 

(SB Geneva– Station Club/bar- Combat Intel MSgt Sara Keats – 2034)


Sara walked alongside Allison, still a little uneasy, she seemed woefully
undressed for going out like this. They reached the club that they Allison
obviously had in mind, and she followed her walk casually past the line of
people queuing, and straight toward the doorman, who instantly lifted the
rope out of their way. Sara was about to point out the line of other people
waiting, but held back.

“Welcome Ladies, enjoy your evening.”



They walked across the bar, Allison steering her as she held her arm
gently, before pulling the both of them into a remaining empty booth.

They were barely sat down when two bajoran males came over, Sara was
petrified. She’d never been in this situation before, but she was again
saved by Allison.





“Listen first off you you need to go to the bar and send us drinks.”
Allison was using her sweet voice the ones she used with the new marines
before they messed up one of her line ups. Sara recognised the tone of
voice immediately.


“Then if we decided we will invite you after the appropriate amount of
drink that are supplied. Sara watched as both males get up and leave both
with a confused look on their face.



Shortly afterward two drinks appeared at their table, Sara picked up one,
and took a sip. It was sweeter than she expected, but not unpleasant. She
felt the alcohol warm her, and begin to relax her slightly.



“Thank you for this.”



(Reply Johnston)



“I’m serious. I never had any friends; I know what they all call me. ‘Ice
maiden?’ and they’re right, but it’s not me, just, a protection.” She was
aware that she was babbling, “Just…thank you.”



(reply Johnston)



Sara laughed, “I like you, you’re funny. Me? Dance? I’m going to need a few
more drinks first.”



(Reply Johnston)

(Posted by Mark)

(SB Geneva– Station Club/bar- Comm specialist Gsgt Allison Johnston – 2040)

Sara laughed, “I like you, you’re funny. Me? Dance? I’m going to need a few more drinks first.”

Allison smiled big as she got up from her seat grabbing Sara hand “I don’t like that answer.” Allison said pulling Sara out of the booth and towards the dance floor. 
(reply Keats)
Leaning close to Sara “I’ll get you a real drink after this” Allison said as they reached the middle of the dance floor. 

(Reply Keats)

(Posted by Richard)

(SB Geneva– Station Club/bar- Combat Intel -  MSgt – 2041)

Allison smiled big as she got up from her seat grabbing Sara hand “I don’t
like that answer.” Allison said pulling Sara out of the booth and towards
the dance floor.



The alcohol from the first drink had hit her, and Sara felt herself
unwinding very slightly, enough to allow a smile to stay on her face, she
was happy. Happy at the occasion, happy at the company, Allison was an
enigma, she was a true Marine. Sara was ashamed to admit that she hadn’t
tried to get to know her earlier wrapping herself up in her own loneliness,
her own perceived isolation; Allison’s zest for life was infectious.

She felt Allisons warm hand on her own again as she half dragged her out of
the booth and onto the dance floor.

“AAAARGGH! I hate you Johnston.” Sara laughed, horribly aware that eyes
could be watching her, silently judging.

Leaning close to Sara “I’ll get you a real drink after this” Allison said
as they reached the middle of the dance floor.

Sara smiled again, warming her features, “I will hold you to that.”
Allison’s perfume grabbed her senses as they became surrounded by writhing
bodies on the dancefloor.



She watched Allison dance, almost carefree, Sara smiled, well out of her
comfort zone, but slowly relaxed, as she realised that no one, except a
couple of marines on shore leave, was taking any notice of her, it was
almost the purest isolation, everyone solely caught up in their own space,
their own moment.

Slowly she felt her hips reacted to the pulsing beat of the music, moving
in directions that she felt that they really shouldn’t, but no one seemed
to notice or care. She felt her spine begin to complement the movement of
her hips, her shoulders and chest followed, joined lastly by one of her
arms, which found its way into the air, for the first time in her life,
Sara felt free. She was free of her past, she was free of the judgement,
and she was, in truth, free from herself.



She smiled deeply as she rolled her neck, arm still in the air, the wave
ran down her spine and hit her hips. Sara opened her eyes and caught
Allisons glance, and blushed deeply, suddenly horribly shy.



“THIS IS AMAZING!” She shouted against the noise of the club.

(Reply Johnston)

(Posted by Mark)

(SB Geneva– Station Club/bar- Com Spec -  GSgt  Allison Johnston– 2045)

“THIS IS AMAZING!” She shouted against the noise of the club.

“yes, you are” Allison knew Sara wouldn’t hear her over the music.  Allison enjoyed the rest of the song as it ended she touched Sarah shoulder “I’ll get you that drink now. Meet you back at the table.”
Allison walked to the bar the floor a bit more sticky and slick then she would of liked but some how she managed to walk across it without slipping. She walked up to the bar and placed her order for a bottle of tequila and two glasses.  To be delivered to the table.
Allison turned to walk back to Sarah she didn’t completely understand why she wanted to be around her but something was drawing her to Sarah.

“Hello Allie” Allison froze at the nickname and the sound of the voice
“Wh..a..t are you doing he…re…” Allison couldn’t move she was just staring at the man in front of her.
“Same as you I’m sure on shore leave. We miss you….. I miss you” Allison was shaking as he stepped forward touching her face.
“Sta…nd down… Marine” Allison said trying to make her voice sound like she was in command.
“We’re not in uniform and you do not out rank me anymore Allie. We are on equal playing fields”
Allison let her eyes drift over to Sarah ~what would she do she’s always so strong~
Allison pushed her way past the man from her past heading back to Sarah and her night out she didn’t want to worry Sarah.
Allison sit across from Sarah “Sorry that took so long” Allison said noticing the drinks had made it to the table before she did. Her eyes scanning the room. Allison started to relax a little bit she thought it was over that he was going to leave her alone and take the hint.

(Reply Keats)

Allison was always good a reading people but that wasn’t a talent that came naturally it came with bad choices over her life. one of those choices was here now and she knew that he wasn’t alone. One of her flaws was she always trusted people and always wanted to see the good in them. This allowed people to come into her life and leave scares on her soul.

(reply Keats)
(posted by Richard)


(SB Geneva– Station Club/bar- Combat Intel MSgt Sara Keats and Comm Spec GSgt  Allison Johnston– 2050)

Allison sat back down at the table, arriving a moment or two after the bar waitress had made it over with a bottle of tequila and two small glasses. Sara had raised a quizzical eyebrow at her as she placed the bottle, but she just shrugged and went back to the bar. Smiling gently, Sara picked up the bottle and read the label. “Woah Johnston, didn’t get the weak stuff then girl?” she asked herself aloud.

“Sorry that took so long” Allison said, her manner had changed, her eyes flitted over the room, scanning it, Sara watched her with her own trained eye, desperately trying not to read her only friend, unable to stop herself, she found her mouth moving, as she opened the tequila and sniffed the open bottle, before pouring a couple of shots.

“Looking for an escape route?” Sara hoped that the feeble joke would elicit a situation where Allison could either shake off her distraction and start drinking or open up slightly. Sara appreciated the irony of her wanting someone to open up. She passed Allison a shot.

“No not exactly” Allison answered as honest as she could she didn’t want Sarah to know this part of her past these guys who thought they were better than her who always tried to be little her.

“You know not long ago, we weren’t certain of each other; but here we are, two friends having…” she picked up the bottle and surveyed it’s contents… “a rather insane amount of alcohol to be honest.”

“You technically out rank me and in the past being friends with someone who has out ranked me tended to burn me when it came to getting respect from my squad.” Allison said as she downed the drink in front of her almost feeling bad for the way it came out but knowing if things came out about her she didn’t want sarah to think less of her.

Sara winced as the alcohol made her shudder as she drained the glass, Allison had done the same, and poured two more. Sara found her mouth moving, she didn’t know where it came from, the drink? Maybe, but a bit soon, Sara put it down to Allison’s comforting presence, Sara looked into Allison’s stunning green eyes, and continued gently.

“We’ve never talked before.” Sara spoke, sadly “Girl of your intelligence, your interests? Don’t think I haven’t noticed Allison, you’d have walked Officer School, why the Marines?”

Allison smiled and blushed she wasn’t sure why she blushed if it was the compliment or the alcohol. “I wanted something of my own. Something my sister couldn’t lay claim on she went the  opposite direction and is now a Commander on some ship in the tactical department.”

“I can understand that, must have been an interesting time growing up. Two strong girls like you.”

“Honestly you’d probably like her better most people do. She demands respect puts the fear in anyone she talks to. Dreadful woman really.” Allison said taking the next shot. She knew deep down she would be paying for all this tomorrow but she didn’t care. She wanted to have a good time and wanted to get to know Sarah even more she wanted this bond to grow, but she couldn’t put her finger on why.

“You know,” Sara said smiling “I think you may have me slightly wrong. I prefer someone who deserves respect and love, not demands it. I push myself and others as hard as I do because of where I came from, it was a way to better myself. Take the honour guard, you and they carried themselves with the highest standards, and it was because of all the work that they, not I did. I just scowled and looked for dust on a uniform.

Allison smiles she would have never thought she would hit it off like they did. “I like you too.” Allison said giving her a wink.

“Why did you join the marines.” Allison asked thinking it was a fair question.

Sara sighed. The alcohol had loosened her tongue more than she was comfortable with. “It was the morning of the first day that I was legally allowed to sign up. I arrived at the marine office and got laughed out. I mean I wasn't half the woman i am now. I was barely five feet and no muscle at all. I sat outside in the biting cold waiting for either acceptance by the Corps or the cold to take me.”

“Why?” Allison asking planing her hand on top of Sara’s she was worried a bit now and was going to make it her mission to never allow Sara to feel that way again.

Sara sighed, but smiled again, “this is taking a down turn. Come,” her eyes lit up and she motioned to the dance floor again. “I love this song. You're going to dance with me.”

Allison only smiled this was a turn for sure from a while ago where she was dragging Sara out on the dance floor.

The alcohol, Sara admitted, was doing a lot of the work, but she’d found in Allison a true friend. Sara was aware of all the evenings she’d sat alone in her quarters, or the evenings tending bar in ten forward. She admitted she did love doing that, but the truth of it was that it was to avoid actually having to spend time with individuals, and to try to keep from opening up to someone. That hadn’t happened with Allison, she had fast become her only friend. Sara wasn’t lying when she’d said that they hadn’t hit it off, and Sara herself hadn’t made it easy. Cold, standoffish, her being younger and a higher rank had only been the icing on the cake at first.

They reached the dance floor, and wound their way toward the centre of the floor. Sara turned and faced her friend, smiling again as the beat of the music took control of her. It was odd she thought, how one could feel more secure in this environment than any other, her fears were attenuated by the volume of people. No one seemed to notice anyone else.

“I love this. Thank you so much,” Sara leaned into Allison and yelled into her ear as they danced; her perfume caught her senses again. “I’ve never felt this happy”

Allison couldn’t help but smile “I’m having fun as well” she said as the two danced with the crowd Allison enjoyed being around so many people who was having so much fun.

They danced for a while, carefree, eventually, the music slowed down a lot, and the population of the dance floor changed, couples took over from those just looking to have fun, and Sara was suddenly a lot more uncomfortable. “Drink?” she motioned to Allison and the table that contained their glasses.

“Yeah just one more then we need to call it a night we have an early drill in the morning.” Allison couldn’t believe she said that, but at the same time knew that she needed to control herself if she wanted another night out with her new friend. Allison hated that she felt so jealous of her for so long she should have given her a chance from the start.

The pair finished their drinks and Allison got up “Come on i’ll walk you back to your quarters” She said like it was some big deal since her own quarters where just down the hall a bit, but nevertheless she felt the need to coddle her a bit since Allison knew Sarah wasn’t use to this kind of lifestyle.

(reply none)
(posted by Mark/Richard)